Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre limited (DRSDTL) recognises the climate crisis as a defining moment in our history. Our legacy is to continue our work without compromising the environmental sustainability of the planet. Our aim is to become net zero by 2040. To date we have reduced our carbon footprint for the organisation by 50% from 445 to 223 tonnes.
We are dedicated to integrating eco-friendly practices across all aspects of our operations. By adopting sustainable production methods, using “The Theatre Greenbook”.
We aim to continue as a leader in this field as recognised by Culture for climate Scotland, by doing this we can assist other companies reach their targets towards net zero.
We continue to be an avid campaigner for change, playing a critical role culture can play in building an ecologically-sound future underpinned by the principle of climate justice.
See below the work we have done and are planning for the future and if you have any suggestions or questions about what we are doing or better still would like to partner with us on a project please send us an email address info@dundeereptheatre.co.uk
Our green charter
Minimise our energy
Since 2015 when we began monitoring our carbon footprint for gas and electric it was 276 tonnes of Co2 we have reduced it to 183 tonnes, a 66% reduction. We have done this by: Changing 95% of our lighting to LED, all our staff are asked to switch items off when not in use. We fitted 32 smart sockets to prevent items switched on 24/7. Variable speed drives are fitted to the heating and ventilation controls reducing energy use by 50%. The heating is managed by a building management system, and this allows us to schedule our gas heating and hot water to maximum efficiency. We have fitted secondary glazing to our rehearsal spaces and offices. The dance studio alone has saved 15,000kwh of gas in the past year. In November 2024 we replaced our front entrance from the draughty revolve and accessible doors to the wide automatic opening door. This has increased the in-house temperature by around 5oC, allowing us to turn the thermostat down.
Our mains gas footprint accounts for 60% of our carbon footprint and electric is a further 24%. The other 16% is on Waste, travel, digital and procurement.
Minimise our waste
All theatre waste is 100% recycled including general waste. We have 10 different waste streams. Binn Group are our contractor for waste, and they remove all forms of waste from site and recycle it including paints and substances, WEEE, batteries and furniture, where possible we will reuse, recycle or rehome stage set. Our wardrobe department is constantly donating clothing to charity. The theatre is working with Scrap Antics; we donate a lot of unusual items to them to reuse in workshops or sell on to keep their own charitable organisation afloat. An example of this would be during 2022 when we refurbished the toilets, Scrap antics took away all the old fixtures and fittings.
Recently we replaced the Main entrance doors, there was no waste on this job. The old Framework and glass went back to the manufacturer to be recycled. The old matting was also recycled.
Purchase sustainable products whenever possible
As part of anything we do we consider ethical purchasing, where possible we like to buy local or better still items from charity shops when we can.
The new front entrance doors were made from recycled aluminium and glass, and the matting was made from ocean plastics.
Continually assess the environmental impact of all our operations
We are very conscious of how our business impacts the environment and we constantly consider this with all aspects of our carbon footprint.
Assess the environmental impact of any new processes or products we introduce to the business
When purchasing new items such as white goods we always look at ethical purchasing along with the energy requirements. Where possible we always try to repair before purchase. If we are doing any refurbishments to the building, we always consider the environmental element. This includes how we recycle old items and what we purchase, using local suppliers and contractors.
Reduce risks from environmental health, or safety hazards for employees and others in the vicinity of our operations
Our operations are considered low risk to environmental health and safety hazards; however, we still need to be aware of substances that can harm, both humans and wildlife including aquatic life. All our staff are trained in safety awareness, and we have now removed any high-risk substances, such as oil-based paints etc.
Publicise our environmental policy internally and externally.
We are considered a leader in environmental change as well as adaptation and mitigation. Our environmental policy can be found on our website
Train employees in good environmental practice and to encourage employee participation
We have a green team made up of over 20 team members from all departments and are currently rolling out carbon literacy training. All our team members have a great awareness of environmental and sustainable methods and are constantly giving ideas.
To ensure that Company transportation is used correctly and does not impact more than required and to actively encourage alternative forms of transportation
We have recently purchased an electric vehicle and with funding from Green Skies trust (logan air) we have installed two electric charger points. This has greatly reduced or transport Co2 footprint. Our Dance ensemble and stage shows travel regularly but also consider the best way to travel. Where possible they use train or planes and if touring, plan the tour to work around the country rather than adding additional miles from going backwards and forwards. We are currently working on reducing our carbon footprint by 5% each year with carbon budgeting.
To work with the community, contractors and suppliers to actively support the environment
Our engagement team work with the community most days of the week and cover over 17 classes a week which total 300 people from 0-90 years old. Several people have protected characteristics. The activities created by our engagement team have a message relating to Climate justice or Climate change. Many of our dance and stage performances have storylines relating to climate change, equality, diversity & inclusion such as:
- This is a love story
- Optimism
- Our Wullie
- The Flock/ The Cloud
- Our external contractors and suppliers are local or with in the Scottish borders.
