Arts buildings told to build with a green mind

Arts buildings must be ecological from conception to completion, making use of innovative design, technological and logistical advances in order to remain sustainable, according to a new guide from environmental charity Julie’s Bicycle. The guide to integrating environmental sustainability into capital projects aims to help arts organisations apply for capital grants. It focuses mainly on major refits and refurbishment, but is also relevant to smaller capital projects and new builds.

The guide makes the case for the importance of environmentally sustainable buildings in improving quality of life and work, and addressing the “ecological crises we are currently facing”. It also warns of the financial and reputational implications of arts organisations failing to act in a sustainable manner.

As well as guidance it offers case studies from projects with a variety of investment types, art forms and locations. These include Nottingham Playhouse, which is expected to generate annual savings of up to £58k thanks to its work to conserve thermal energy, and The National Theatre’s Temporary Theatre (formerly The Shed), for which reused and recycled materials were used wherever possible.