The Stage

Julie’s Bicycle pushes for greener theatres

Published Tuesday 1 June 2010 at 17:21 by Natalie Woolman

Green Theatre Network, which will help venues in London and the UK share environmentally-friendly best practice, has been launched by not-for-profit company Julie’s Bicycle.

The network will support the Mayor of London’s 2008 Green Theatre Plan and offer its members tools to achieve the plan’s targets. The mayor’s proposals seek a 60% reduction in CO2 emissions by London theatres from 1990 levels by 2025.

There are already around 100 members of the network, including venues, individuals, touring companies and suppliers. It is planned that the group will meet around four times a year to exchange ideas and best practice.

Julie’s Bicycle has been given funding for the project by Arts Council England, the Mayor’s Office and Arup.

The network is currently London-wide, but Julie’s Bicycle will be launching a national programme later in June for which the company is working with a number of emerging local groups.

Julie’s Bicycle associate director for theatre Sian Alexander said: “The network is a source of advice, inspiration and peer support for its members as well as a forum to work together and develop new ideas and approaches to theatre specific challenges. Julie’s Bicycle was set up to support the creative industries to adapt to a low carbon economy and brings to the network rigorous research, industry tailored resources and tools and substantial expertise in this field.”

www.juliesbicycle.com