Environment and sustainability
Earth is precious. We are working hard to protect it by reducing the environmental impact of our work. Spreading the joy of live music must not come at a cost to our planet.
‘Turner Sims attracts top rate artists and saves a trip to London thus saving on the pollution associated with such a long journey.’ Audience survey response
Our sustainability ambition and approach
We know our activities influence the environment. It’s our ambition to lead progress in environmental sustainability within the music sector. As part of the University of Southampton, with its world-leading researchers, we have unique resources to drive positive change.
We are addressing environmental sustainability through:
- Partnerships
- Leadership
- Governance structure
- Working culture
- Community engagement
- Communications
Our actions to protect the environment
We take everyday actions, including:
- Only switching on lights and heating while rooms are in use
- Turning off equipment at the mains when not in use
- Using local suppliers
- Printing less
We purchase and behave with the environment in mind:
- Making environmental sustainability a priority in our procurement processes
- Operating a plant-based bar with zero single use plastics
- Encouraging staff to reduce emissions from business travel by attending events online
- Embedding environmental messages in our communications plans
- Only printing on paper stock with strong environmental credentials
We embed sustainability in our programmes, partnerships, and developments:
- Installing a new LED lighting rig to reduce environmental impact
- Moving our website to green hosting
- Working with University Environmental Scientists to address issues including e-waste and travel emissions
- Equipping staff, audiences and artists with information to promote low carbon travel
- Encouraging artists to use our green rider developed with the European Jazz Network’s Take the Green Train project
- Programming artists and projects that stimulate thought and conversation about environmental issues
University of Southampton support
As part of the University of Southampton (UoS) we have:
- electricity on a green tariff
- a commitment to making sustainability part of everything we do by 2030
- a commitment to achieve net zero for scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030
We are working with:
- UoS Estates to develop a building plan to renew, replace and upgrade with environmental solutions when possible
- the University’s Sustainability Community of Practice and Applied Environmental Science to support teaching and showcase research projects addressing environmental issues
Transforming our building
In 2023, we replaced our traditional stage lighting with a new LED lighting rig. LED lights use less power and produce less heat than traditional ‘par can’ lights. The switch can save up to 70% of fuel consumption.
The lifespan of LED lights ranges from 25,000 to 100,000 hours, compared to 2,000 hours for older alternatives. This means fewer bulb replacements and less waste than in our previous setup.
This project has increased the energy efficiency of lighting the hall. It has also enhanced the performance experience for artists and audiences.
A generous anonymous donation, plus investment from the University, made this transformation possible. To both, we offer a huge and heartfelt thank you.
Help us spread the joy of live music without costing the earth
Thank you for your donation. You are helping us spread the joy of live music without costing the earth.
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