We believe that the global environmental situation is of urgent concern and Lighthouse is taking action to reduce our environmental impact across all areas of our operation.
Our mission is to ensure that Lighthouse aims to become a net zero venue by changing what we do and using the arts to inspire change.
To achieve this, we have implemented many changes to how we work and have been supported in our strategic planning by Theatre and Environmental consultant Michael Holden, to find innovative solutions to reducing our carbon footprint, across our entire energy infrastructure.
Our Journey To Net Zero
Our team is committed to driving impactful and immediate action to reduce our carbon footprint and accelerate our journey toward net zero. Our Environmental Sustainability Strategy sets out our ambition and is our road map for the organisation to achieve our aims.
We’ve already implemented significant changes to the way we work—rethinking processes, embracing sustainable practices, and making conscious choices that reflect our environmental values.
Energy Efficiency
We have seen a 93% energy saving by replacing traditional lighting in our foyers and backstage areas with LEDs, complemented by the strategic placement of movement sensors. with a reduction of 23,541kg (7.9 tonnes) of carbon each year, equivalent to the amount absorbed by 2,354 trees. This was made possible with a decarbonisation grant from BCP Council, along with funding through the Shared Prosperity Fund).
Water & Materials
We provide water refill stations backstage for artists and provide water for our audiences to encourage the use of reusable bottles.
We use eco-friendly cleaning products for venue maintenance.
Our programme brochure is printed on paper certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), ensuring that we are supporting responsible forestry.
Where possible we support sustainable set building and re-use, using non-toxic paints, and recyclable materials and FSC certified wood.
With the exceptional generosity of an individual donor, we have been able to replace our foyer furniture and have been thrilled to donate our old foyer furniture to local charities and community organisations to re-purpose
Operations
Our priority is to make sure that we source from local and sustainable suppliers.
Where we can we use green procurement policies: sourcing food, drink, and merchandise.
Our ice cream suppliers New Forest Ice creams are based 10 miles away. Our wine and drinks supplier Palmers Brewery is based in Bridport
We serve coffee that is roasted using 100% renewable energy.
Our staff are encouraged to use public transport to come to work and we have a Cycle To Work scheme for our team. We are signed up to More Bus reduced travel partnership scheme.
Communications
Our website is hosted on servers that are powered by 100% renewable energy.
Most of our ticketing is now paperless with digital tickets & some programmes available digitally.
We are reducing the use of paper posters with digital low energy display screens in our foyers.
Making A Creative Case For Change
We programme and support work that helps to drive environmental change and start crucial conversations.
- Our Wild Art Wonders summer camp, delivered by Coda Music and Arts Trust, gave young people the opportunity to create creatures, dens and alternative environments by using recycled materials and found objects.
- We collaborate with The Banff Film Festival, by screening work that celebrates adventure, the environment, mountain culture and the outdoors through film.
- Our Sanctuary programme supports artists in the region to create new work, encouraging work that deals with the climate emergency. This included Dorsetborn’s Georgia and the Iceberg, a brand-new play for children about the environmental crisis on the South Georgia Islands.
Community & Awareness
We aim for Green certifications: Pursuing standards like ISO 14001, Julie’s Bicycle’s Creative Green certification.
We record environmental impact progress annually and aim to reduce it each year.
The Future
We have much more that we can do and are actively pursuing opportunities with partners to introduce renewable energy, supported transport schemes for our audiences.
We are open to receiving feedback about what we can improve and where we can make further inroads Towards Our Net Zero journey.
(Illustration from Dorsetborn’s Georgia and the Iceberg)