Creative Green: An Environmental Sustainability Initiative
Challenge: ELAN, a prominent arts organization, wanted to demonstrate environmental leadership and reduce its environmental footprint.
Solution: Quinten Sheriff, a sustainability consultant, was engaged to develop a multi-year "Creative Green" initiative. This case study explores the key elements of the plan.
The Approach:
Phased Implementation: The initiative was structured into a multi-year plan with clear goals for each phase.
Year 1: Foundation Building - Commitment to net-zero, establishment of a multi-stakeholder committee, development of data collection and impact management frameworks, and initiation of divestment from environmentally harmful investments.
Year 2: Implementation & Refinement - Implementing data collection processes, enhancing impact management practices, continued divestment, and launching the initial stages of the Net Zero Action Plan.
Subsequent Years: Monitoring, Evaluation & Achievement - Continuously monitoring progress, adapting strategies as needed, and striving for net-zero emissions.
Resource Mobilization:
Julie's Bicycle: ELAN utilized resources like the "Culture Takes Action" toolkit and online platform to document its environmental journey.
Mass Culture: Collaboration ensured data analysis and creation of impactful narratives.
Website Resource Hub: A dedicated section housed curated resources, including best practices and action plans, for artists and cultural organizations.
Community Engagement:
Community of Practice: Fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing through the creation of a community committed to environmental responsibility.
Advocacy: Lobbying for policy changes that support green practices within the arts community.
Internal Action:
Digital Sobriety: Adopting best practices to minimize the environmental impact of technology use.
Awareness Workshops: Implementing programs like "Fresque du Climat" to raise awareness and inspire action.
Outcomes:
Creative Green positioned ELAN as a leader in environmental sustainability within the arts community. The initiative fostered a culture of environmental responsibility and provided valuable resources for artists and arts organizations.