Policy on environmental sustainability

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Policy on environmentAL sustainability

Principles
Orchestras Live recognises that sustainable development must meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, and that environmental sustainability principles should guide Orchestras Live’s decision making processes, its day-to-day operations and its role in and impact on the communities in which it works.
This Policy is set within the framework of Orchestras Live’s Environmental Sustainability Strategy and Action Plan 2012-15 (approved March 2013), and will be reviewed annually. It is based upon the following principles:

to comply with, and exceed where practicable, all applicable legislation, regulations and codes of practice;

to integrate sustainability considerations into all our business decisions;
to ensure that all staff are fully aware of our Environmental Sustainability Strategy and are committed to implementing and improving it;
to minimise the impact on sustainability of all office and transportation activities;
to make partners and suppliers aware of our Environmental Sustainability Strategy, and encourage them to adopt sound and sustainable management practices;
to review, annually report, and continually strive to improve our sustainability performance.

Use of resources

Orchestras Live aims to minimise its use of paper and other office consumables.
Where feasible, we will use locally produced, recycled and renewable products; Orchestras Live encourages staff to purchase goods and services that cause the least harm to the environment.
Office waste, such as paper, plastics and computer supplies and redundant equipment, will be recycled wherever possible.
Energy consumption will be reduced by purchasing energy efficient equipment and not leaving electrical equipment switched on or on stand-by when not in use.
We will strive to support the efforts of our landlord at Kings Place in minimising the environmental impact of our office premises.
We aim only to use suppliers that adhere to sustainable principles and will minimize our use of chemicals which are harmful to the environment.
We will ensure that timber furniture, and any other timber products, are recycled or from well-managed, sustainable sources and are Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified.

Transport and Business travel
Orchestras Live is committed to reducing the environmental impact of business travel and staff commuting.
Orchestras Live recognises that in order to service our partnerships across the country, significant distances need to be travelled. It is also recognised that in those areas that are difficult or impossible to reach via public transport, travel by car is often the most practical and time efficient means of transport.
Before planning meetings with partners, Orchestras Live staff will always consider whether a journey is strictly necessary, or whether the outcomes of the proposed meeting can be achieved by telephone, email or use of other technology. Orchestras Live will encourage staff and Trustees to walk, cycle and use public transport and car sharing where possible for work related activities, bearing in mind the special needs of those with disabilities. Orchestras Live is a member of CycleScheme, through which employees can obtain a new bicycle in a tax efficient manner.
Advocacy and collaboration
Orchestras Live is currently working with other national organisations (including Julie’s Bicycle, the ABO, British Council, Arts Council England) to develop a clear understanding of climate change issues as they affect the orchestral sector, and determine what a zero carbon industry might look like and to promote industry-wide action in support of it. We were a leading partner in the creation and publication of the Green Orchestras Guide (2010) which has been further refined and expanded into the new Green Orchestral Charter (2012) for orchestras, concert halls, promoters and agents.
Orchestras Live is continually looking into ways to improve upon its Environmental Sustainability actions. It will share knowledge and learn from those who adhere to best practice.

Reviewed and updated July 2013