Our key suppliers, including Unusual Rigging, are chosen based on their sustainability commitments and leadership in this area.
We also ask commissioned artists to sign a Sustainability Commitment. We are working with industry experts, A Greener Future to ensure that we plan and deliver Lumiere in as sustainable way as possible, which includes undertaking a carbon impact assessment to enable us to reduce our carbon impact.
Together with our suppliers and local partners we undertake operational planning, paying particular attention to the following key areas:
Power:
We select our power sources through the industry Best Practice Power Pyramid:
- Our first choice is to power elements through the grid, with Durham County Council and other landowning partners operating exclusively from green energy sources
- If no suitable hard- wired power is available, we source battery power where possible. Solar powered batteries are our first choice here
- We only use Stage V generators as a last resort, which are run on HVO fuel to provide the cleanest available option
- Through our partnership with Durham University’s Energy Institute, we seek opportunities to give profile to new and emerging technologies
- We reduce the power requirements of installations through the use of up-to date equipment using LED technology where possible
Procurement of materials:
The Lumiere programme includes a combination of existing touring works and new commissions. In the case of new commissions, we ask artists to source materials responsibly and to commit to giving artworks a future life as part of the circular economy, either through future touring or reuse of the component parts.
Ecology:
We consult with Durham County Council’s ecologist to ensure that artworks are responsibly sited, taking into consideration the protection of habitats and the feeding and roosting areas of local fauna.
Transport:
Where local equipment is not available, we plan the transport of materials to combine loads wherever possible, favouring rail and sea transport over other means. Our onsite vans are electric vehicles, powered from sustainable tariffs.
Carbon Removals:
- Where it is not possible to further reduce the impact of our work, we have a budget line to invest in a portfolio of certified climate removal technologies through carbon removal platform Cur8
- Investments are selected to balance local impact, long term carbon removal and investment in new technologies to increase the viability of carbon storage via biochar, soil improvement or other carbon capture for the immediate removal of greenhouse gases
Image credit:
Lines, Pekka Niittyvirta and Timo Aho at Lumiere Durham 2021. Photo by Matthew Andrews