The Lumiere programme includes artworks commissioned to highlight the climate emergency and to use the profile of the light art biennial to encourage debate and action.
We are working with industry experts, A Greener Future, to ensure that we plan and deliver Lumiere as sustainably as possible. This includes undertaking a carbon impact assessment of our event to identify how best to reduce our carbon footprint. For remaining unavoidable emissions, Artichoke aims to invest in a portfolio of certified climate removal technologies through carbon removal platforms such as CUR8.
We prioritise suppliers based on their sustainability commitments and ask them to sign our Memorandums of Understanding, to ensure they align with Artichoke’s ethical and environmental requirements. We also ask new commissioned artists to agree to Sustainability Commitments.
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 based on the Power Hierarchy:
- Our first choice is to power elements through the grid, with power provided exclusively from green energy sources.
- Where suitable hard-wired power isn’t available, battery power and solar powered batteries are sourced where possible.
- We only use generators as a last resort, which are run on HVO fuel to provide the cleanest available option. We also use batteries and generators in combination to ensure that when generators are in use, they are running at maximum efficiency and as little as possible.
- For 2025 we have reduced the number of generators for the event to three, down from nine in 2023.
- We reduce power requirements of installations through the use of up-to-date equipment using LED technology where possible.
Procurement of materials:
- The Lumiere programme will include a combination of existing touring works and new commissions. In the case of new commissions, artists pledge to support Artichoke’s sustainability goals by using materials responsibly and ensuring works produced will have a future life in the circular economy through touring or the reuse of the component parts.
- Our key suppliers, are chosen based on their sustainability commitments and are required to sign a Supplier Memorandum of Understanding.
- We use the waste hierarchy during procurement and waste planning to minimise our environmental impact.
- We reduce production of printed materials and print with water-based inks and on FSC-accredited paper.
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. We utilise electric vans and vehicles, where possible, powered from sustainable tariffs.
Staff and artist travel – we operate a train-first approach to travel to keep carbon emissions as low as possible. If flights are necessary, we purchase economy flights only.
Carbon Removals:
- Where it is not possible to further reduce the carbon emissions from our projects, Artichoke aims to work with carbon removal platforms and invest in high-quality carbon removal portfolios, which will remove the event’s residual carbon emissions.
- 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.
What can audiences do?
- Bring a reusable cup to purchase drinks.
- Choose sustainable travel options, such as public transport or arriving by bike or on foot.
- Use Durham County Council’s Park and Ride facilities to visit the event.
- Leave No Trace and take your litter home and recycle it.
- Turn off your lights and unused plug sockets when you leave the house.