ORIGINS
Since 2007 Arcola Theatre has been the forerunner in sustainable practices within the arts community – encouraging and inspiring others to follow in our footsteps.
Green Arcola started at Arcola Theatre as the Arcola Energy Project. The original aims of the project were to:
- Make Arcola the world’s first Carbon Neutral theatre.
- Use theatre to educate and inspire the local community to live sustainably.
- Create the world’s first Clean Energy Technology Incubator in an arts setting. A knowledge incubator and demonstration site with dedicated workspace where engineers can develop initiatives to tackle climate change.
- Lead a paradigm shift in how sustainability is integrated in to the core ethos of arts and community venues.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
2007 One of the first arts organisations to commission a feasibility study on how to become carbon neutral. Develop and implement measures to ensure the theatre is taking appropriate steps to fulfil this ambition.
2008 In conjunction with the London Mayors office in 2008, Green Arcola was primary organiser of developing the Mayors of London Green Theatre Plan.
2008 Worked with theatre company Simple8 on The Living Unknown Soldier, to create London’s first hydrogen powered production using a five kilowatt fuel cell.
2009 Created a feasibility study for Future Arcola – Arcola Theatre’s long-term ambition to build completely new zero carbon theatre in Dalston.
2010 Participated in 10:10 -the national campaign to reduce carbon footprints in 2010 by 10% – and achieved a 34% reduction in our former premises in Arcola Street.
2010 Involved in conversion of the Colourworks Building, our current home – from a disused factory building to a fully functioning two-studio theatre – by sourcing recycled building materials.
2011 Following the development of first energy incubator based in an arts setting, Arcola Energy Ltd becomes a separate development and retail company specialising in fuel cells.
2010 Led the establishment of Dalston Eastern Curve Garden and managed it until 2012.
2012 After monitoring energy consumption in the Colourworks building for a year, generated a baseline so we may accurately measure our carbon reduction achievements.
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