Sustainability in the cultural sector

You come across the word sustainability more and more often lately. We are all becoming increasingly aware that we need to deal with our earth and its use in a different way. Every day new initiatives are conceived and embraced by citizens, organizations and the government. The cultural sector, too, is paying more and more attention to making its activities more sustainable.

What is sustainability?

Sustainability is a very broad concept. Ultimately, our way of working, dealing with each other and with the environment, the use of materials, the consumption of energy all have an impact on nature and our planet. Sustainable business does go a little further than the environment. It also has to do with social factors and long-term profit creation. So you can establish sustainable relationships with partners and suppliers. The municipality of Arnhem focuses on three aspects of sustainability as far as the cultural sector is concerned. These are limiting and separating waste streams, limiting transport movements and providing energy in the most sustainable way possible. These aspects of sustainability are discussed in more detail here.

What can you do yourself?

Developments are happening rapidly and there are more and more opportunities to operate in a sustainable way. Unfortunately, many things are still a bit more expensive, making it more difficult to do everything in the cultural sector. In addition, some components have not yet been proven to be more sustainable.

• When making posters and flyers, preferably use certified paper.
• Use biodegradable plates, cups and cutlery.
• Use either biodegradable disposable cups or get hardcups that you can rinse clean.
• When you have banners or flags made, you can try not to name the date or artists. That way you can use them again a year later.
• Allow food trucks to use biogas.
• Connect to a (green) power grid instead of using diesel generators. Maybe you can generate your own energy through solar panels-or batteries.
• Limit the use of water as much as possible.
• Separate waste into as many streams as possible.
• Involve neighbors and the surrounding area in your initiative.
• Try to work with suppliers from the immediate area as much as possible.
• Point visitors to public transportation as much as possible so they will leave the car at home a little more often.
• Preferably use recycled materials in artwork and decoration.

In any case, join existing initiatives in the region or beyond. By working together, you get a lot more done and you can share knowledge together.

Initiatives in Arnhem and surrounding areas

More and more people are concerned with sustainability, also in Arnhem and its surroundings. There are several initiatives related to this. We have listed a few that may be able to contribute to making your own initiative more sustainable. You can follow this and see how you can get involved.

The Switches

This is a young project initiated by a number of people from the Arnhem event world. Together, a number of event organizers are looking at ways to deal with sustainability. One of the things that is currently being developed is a tool that allows you to calculate how much CO2 emissions you are creating through your initiative or project. By making this transparent, you can determine how much you need to compensate in order to be CO2 neutral. This group is also working on other ways to operate sustainably in the cultural sector. A website is still under construction, but if you already have ideas or questions, please send an email to info@deschakelaars.nl.

Energy made in Arnhem

Energy made in [Arnhem] makes meters in the field of energy and environmental technology together with residents and entrepreneurs. It is not specifically aimed at the cultural sector but somewhat more broadly oriented. That is only a good thing and as an initiator you can at least link in and keep up to date with what others come up with. Energy Cafés are organized regularly and many parties who do something with sustainability attend. The energy desk for residents and businesses in the Arnhem region answers energy questions, shows examples and offers inspiration. Click for the website.

Arnhem On

Arnhem AAN shows what good examples there are in Arnhem in the field of energy saving and sustainable energy generation. Be inspired on the website by the many examples, large and small, of neighborhood initiatives and of inhabitants and companies that have taken up the gauntlet. Would you like to work with neighbors, friends or other interested parties to save energy? Then make use of the offer from the AANjagers' Toolbox. The AANjaag Fund was set up specifically to support sustainable neighborhood and community initiatives to carry out their activities. Click for the website.

If, from your expertise, you yourself have knowledge that would fit this topic, or if you see opportunities to improve this text, we look forward to receiving your message at info@cultuuracademy.nl.