NPOs record significant fall in carbon emissions

Arts and culture organisations funded through the current National Portfolio have recorded significant decreases in their carbon emissions as part of ongoing sustainability efforts.

A total of 698 NPOs provided figures relating to a combined 1,092 venues, 646 offices, 123 productions, 109 festivals, and 145 indoor events during 2021/22. 

Overall, they used 281 million kWh energy over the 12-month period – 32 million kWh less than in 2019-20 (313 million kWh).

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Comparisons were made between 2021-22 and 2019-20 due to the fact that figures for 2020-21 showed were skewed by ther impact of Covid restrictions.

The data, collected by Arts Council England for its annual Culture, Climate and Environmental Responsibility report, show that the 698 NPOs also reported less travel – 24.9 million kilometres in 2021-22, compared with 30.2 million kilometres in 2019-20.

However, they did report a doubling of water use, and generated similar amounts of waste – 5,025 tonnes in 2021/22, compared with 5,263 tonnes in 2019/20. 

"Comparing impacts reported year-on-year is not without issue, however, this data implies good reductions have been made in energy and travel, but some areas merit further investigation and action," the report states.

Meanwhile, the 30 NPOs making up the Spotlight programme – an initiative to cut emissions among NPOs receiving more than £1m a year in ACE funding which were together responsible for around 30% of the entire portfolio’s emissions – reduced their collective electricity carbon emissions by 40% and gas carbon emissions by 27%.

Improved management

"Several factors contribute to this trend, including decarbonisation of the National Grid," the report states.

"We have calculated that renewable energy coming on-stream in the National Grid has contributed to a reduction in overall emissions of 25% between 2018-19 and 2021-22.
 
"This means that on top of grid decarbonisation, the Spotlight group has achieved an additional reduction of 15% in carbon emissions which can be attributed to improved management and reduced electricity usage across the cohort. 

"Increased home working, shifts in working hours and energy efficiency projects have all contributed to the reductions." 

Arts Council England’s Environmental Programme launched in 2012 and represents one of the first examples of a cultural body embedding environmental reporting funding agreements.

NPOs reporting figures for 2021/22 are part of the 2018-22 Investment Programme, and will still need to provide data for 2022/23 next year. The 990 organisations selected last month to be part of the National Portfolio for the 2023-26 Investment Programme will be required to supply data for 2023/24 the year after that.

ACE has previously said that sustainability was one of the investment principles for decisions on the 2023-26 portfolio.

Alison Tickell , Founder and Chief Executive of Julie’s Bicycle, ACE's delivery partner for its environmental sustainability programme, said: "Culture is uniquely equipped to educate, enable and inspire change. 

"Through the Arts Council Portfolio reporting we have seen real ownership of the type of actions needed, and a rich and diverse range of benefits as a result of engaging with environmental issues. 

"The gains from acting are being felt by organisations, but also witnessed by others, generating more momentum for change. 

"The commitment of Arts Council and the portfolio has created a model which others are already adapting and accelerating. This report shows where real progress has been made, and where the most effective interventions are now."