Let’s Change Culture - Climate Action Policy and Strategy Template
Let’s Change Culture: Introducing a Climate Action Policy and Strategy Template for Creative Organisations
The world is changing, and so is the role of the arts in shaping the future. In the face of climate change, creative organisations have an opportunity—not just to reflect the state of the world through art, but to actively influence it through their operations and ethos. This is where a Climate Action Policy and Strategy comes in.
In this blog post, we’re introducing a practical, flexible Climate Action Policy and Strategy Template designed for creative organisations, whether you’re a small independent studio, a performing arts venue, or a national gallery. This tool will help you craft a clear and actionable plan to reduce your environmental impact and become a leader in sustainability within the arts community.
Our Collective’s Perspective
The Art and Energy Collective was set up with climate action at the heart of our ethos. We placed creativity and climate right at the centre of our practice and so consider both those aspects in everything we do. We had lots of support from different people who asked us regularly what our vision mission and purpose was. This was quite helpful….but it has also never ‘set in stone’. Every once in a while we find we tweak the words as we learn more about what we do and how we do it.
In 2021, Plymouth Culture invited us to evaluate what we do and how we do it and that resulted in ‘Our Compass’ a project development framework that reminds us to consider all aspects of our values when we are designing a new activity or artwork. This is as close as we have got so far to a formal climate action policy and strategy. Partly this is because we are quite tiny and don’t have masses of capacity for recording and measuring etc. Partly it’s because we know we take action in this space in very rich ways and it hasn’t felt as important as actually doing the work. Also, it’s because all the templates and advice seems to focus on the nuts and bolts operational aspects of the work, and as a cultural organisation with culture change ambitions, it has seemed vastly complex to capture elements of justice, intersections, economics etc. We got a bit caught up in the perfectionism trap.
Now however, we have arrived organically at the moment where it feels right to write one. We’ve got to the place where it seems that we could put something on paper and that might be helpful for us, and our partners.
Why Does Your Creative Organisation Need a Climate Action Policy?
As artists and cultural institutions, we have a unique platform to communicate big ideas, challenge the status quo, and inspire change. However, our practices—whether that’s building a set, organising an exhibition, or hosting a performance—can leave a significant environmental footprint. Materials, energy use, travel, and waste all contribute to the growing climate crisis.
A Climate Action Policy is your organisation's commitment to doing things differently. It’s a roadmap that not only guides you toward more sustainable practices but also shows your audiences, partners, and funders that you are serious about making a positive impact on the planet.
What is a Climate Action Policy and Strategy?
A Climate Action Policy is a formal statement outlining your organisation’s stance on environmental sustainability, including your goals and principles. A Strategy is the actionable plan that helps you turn that policy into real-world changes.
Together, they serve as your organisation’s guide to reducing its carbon footprint, managing resources responsibly, and embedding sustainability into the fabric of your creative work.
Key Components of the Climate Action Policy and Strategy Template
Our Climate Action Policy and Strategy Template is designed to be adaptable for creative organisations of all sizes and focuses. Here are the core components to include:
1. Environmental Vision
Your vision is a bold, inspiring statement that reflects your long-term aspirations for sustainability. It answers the question: "What is the future we want to create as an environmentally responsible organisation?"
Example:
"Our vision is to be a carbon-neutral creative organisation by 2030, producing work that enriches lives while respecting the planet."
2. Mission Statement
Your mission is the day-to-day expression of how your organisation will work toward achieving the vision. It focuses on your current practices and how they align with sustainability.
Example:
"Our mission is to prioritise sustainability in every stage of our creative process, from sourcing materials to audience engagement, ensuring that our work not only inspires but also preserves the environment."
3. Values
Your core values are the guiding principles behind your climate action policy. These should reflect what is most important to you as a creative organisation.
Examples:
Creativity: We believe that creativity can solve environmental challenges.
Sustainability: We are committed to reducing our environmental impact through responsible resource management.
Collaboration: We value partnerships with organisations that share our commitment to sustainability.
4. Environmental Goals
Set clear, measurable goals that your organisation can work towards. These goals should address key areas where you have an environmental impact.
Examples:
Reduce energy consumption by 20% over the next two years through energy-efficient lighting and appliances.
Cut waste by 50% by implementing recycling and material reuse programs.
Switch to 100% renewable energy for all facilities within five years.
5. Key Areas of Focus
Identify the most important environmental aspects of your operations. For creative organisations, these typically include:
Programming: What work do you deliver and to what end.
Energy and Heat Use: Reducing the energy consumption of studios, theaters, and galleries.
Materials and Resources: Using sustainable, recycled, or low-impact materials for productions and exhibitions.
Waste Management: Reducing, reusing, and recycling materials to minimise waste.
Travel and Transport: Lowering carbon emissions by reducing travel and encouraging the use of public transportation or virtual collaborations.
Audience Engagement: Educating and involving your audience in sustainability efforts through programming and events.
Collaboration and Leadership: How you are supporting your wider community
Nature: Restoration activities and biodiversity
6. Action Plan
This is where the strategy becomes real. Outline specific actions to be taken in each key area of focus, along with who is responsible, timelines, and resources needed.
Example:
Goal - Action - Timeline - Responsible
Reduce energy use by 20% - Install LED lighting in all workspaces = 6 months - Facilities Team
Reduce single-use materials by 50% - Switch to reusable materials for set design - 12 months - Creative Team
7. Monitoring and Evaluation
It’s important to track progress and measure the effectiveness of your efforts. Set up systems to monitor energy use, waste, and other metrics regularly, and review your progress against the goals set in your action plan.
Example:
Energy use will be tracked quarterly by reviewing utility bills.
Waste reduction will be monitored by logging materials saved or reused after productions.
8. Communication and Engagement
Your climate action policy is also a tool for engaging and inspiring others. Consider how you will share your progress and involve your audience, artists, and collaborators in your sustainability journey.
Internal: Hold monthly meetings to review progress and discuss new sustainability ideas.
External: Share success stories and updates through social media, newsletters, and blog posts, inviting your audience to be part of the solution.
How to Get Started
Creating a climate action policy can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be! Start small, and focus on what you can realistically achieve now, then build on those successes. Here’s a simple approach to begin:
Download the Template: Use our adaptable Climate Action Policy and Strategy Template as a starting point.
Assess Your Impact: Identify areas where your organisation has the greatest environmental footprint.
Set Goals: Focus on a few achievable goals, such as reducing energy use or sourcing sustainable materials.
Engage Your Team: Get your team involved in shaping and implementing the policy—everyone’s creativity is part of the solution!
Monitor Progress: Track your progress, celebrate wins, and keep evolving.
Let’s Change Culture, Together
Adopting a Climate Action Policy isn't just a responsible step; it's an opportunity to lead change in the arts. By committing to sustainability, you can reduce your impact on the environment while setting a powerful example for your community and beyond.
The arts have always been at the forefront of cultural transformation. Together, let’s use our creativity and passion to lead the way in the fight against climate change.