Sustainability

We recognise that our theatre is a unique and important part of the cultural landscape in Oxfordshire but to continue this work for future generations, we must also recognise the global climate and biodiversity crisis. We have joined other theatres across the UK and the world to sign up to the standards of the Theatre Green Book to take actions to reduce our carbon footprint.

Our environmental commitment

The Kenton is committed to achieving the following environmental aims:

• To become a net-zero carbon organisation by 2050 in line with government legislation. Subject to funding availability, we will strive to meet this commitment earlier.
• To reduce the theatre’s impact on the environment wherever we can.
• To comply with all legal and regulatory obligations.
• To achieve Basic Certification of the Theatre Green Book by 2027.

What we are doing

• We have an Environmental Policy and have set up a Green Committee to drive change
• We are creating an environmental strategy to set short- and long-term goals
• We’re creating an action plan to ensure we stay on track
• We are monitoring our gas and electricity use and have installed new boilers to reduce gas consumption.
• We are moving from print to digital in our marketing campaigns where we can and encourage our audiences to use digital instead of printed tickets
• We are reviewing digital communications to reduce our carbon emissions
• We are removing single-use plastic where we can
• We offer plant-based options for ice cream and refreshments
• We recycle and dispose of things responsibly
• We are implementing energy saving practices across the theatre
• We are working to talk more about climate change issues with our staff, volunteers, our audiences and the local community. We have developed a relationship with Greener Henley to support with this
• We are encouraging biodiversity and pollinators in The Kenton’s courtyard to gain Bee Friendly status for our outside.

This is a brief summary of our achievements and plan. There is more to say and much more to do but we have started, and we are committed to our journey to reduce our impact on the environment.

All the good work we are doing, particularly with our heritage building, relies on external funding. You can help support our work to future-proof and protect The Kenton for future generations. To learn more and see how you can make a difference visit thekenton.org.uk/supportus