Environmental Policy

Our Objectives

Bow Arts is committed to sustainable development (meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs) as a guiding principle within our work.


The aim of this policy is to reduce the impact on the environment from our operations by reducing carbon emissions and to research, develop and implement cost effective ways of operating, whilst using ecological materials and energy sources that have a minimal impact on the environment.


The policy aims to establish Bow Arts as a proactive advocate for sustainability in the sector by promoting education, raising environmental awareness, and encouraging sustainable practices among staff, tenants,
peer organizations, and audiences.

Scope of Policy

We will assess the environmental impacts of our operations and set objectives and targets in order to improve our environmental performance. We will regularly review these targets and report on them at least annually. We will:

  • Align our policy with the Mayor of London’s 1.5C Compatible Climate Action Plan supporting London to become a zero carbon city by 2050
  • Promote responsibility for the environment with the organisation and communicate and implement this policy at all levels within the workforce
  • Reduce the use of energy, water and other resources and consumables
  • Minimise waste through accurate monitoring, reduction, re-use and recycling
  • Comply with all relevant environmental legislation/regulation
  • Ensure our procurement of goods and services balances best value alongside sustainability requirements and internal values
  • Act as an advocate within the sector encouraging peer organisations, internal and external stakeholders, and artist tenants to participate in sustainable development
  • Identify and provide appropriate training, advice and information for staff to encourage them to implement sustainable development processes

Implementation

This policy is supported by a Sustainability Action Plan which sets out how the policy will be implemented, including targets, timelines and named leads. The action plan will be shared with all staff and integrated within departmental operational plans. Implementation and progress will be overseen by a Sustainability Champion appointed from the Board and a Staff Sustainability Champion. Delivery is supported by a cross-organisational Sustainability Working Group (incorporating the Green Team), with members from across departments who meet monthly and share updates through all-staff meetings.

Reporting

Progress against the action plan will be monitored by the Sustainability Working Group and reported to the SLT and Board on a quarterly basis. This information will inform an annual sustainability audit and be used to update the Sustainability Action Plan for the following year.

Updated: February 2025