As part of Liverpool Philharmonic’s organisation-wide Environmental Action Plan the introduction of new sustainability measures  build on the work already undertaken to reduce environmental impact during the recent £14.5 million refurbishment of the Grade II* listed Liverpool Philharmonic Hall that was completed in 2015. 

The venue is the home of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, and one of the UK’s premier arts and entertainment venues, presenting close to 400 concerts and events annually attended by more than 275,000 visitors,  and with 122 full time and 85 part-time employees.

Led by the organisation’s Environmental Champions Group, which includes musicians from the Orchestra and staff, the plan is engaging Liverpool Philharmonic employees, visitors and suppliers in helping to reduce and eliminate negative environmental impacts across the entire business.   

·         Transport and Travel

Liverpool Philharmonic has partnered with NewMotion - one of Europe’s biggest providers of smart charging solutions for electric driving – to install an electric vehicle (EV) charging point on its Caledonia Street Car Park.  Parking on Caledonia Street Car Park, and use of the EV facility, is available to Liverpool Philharmonic employees, visitors and the general public. 

The installation of the EV charging point follows a successful application by Liverpool Philharmonic to Merseytravel for funding for business premises to support Liverpool City Region's low carbon initiatives to provide cleaner air and encourage greater use of  and purchasing of electric vehicles.

Following a company-wide survey completed by all Liverpool Philharmonic employees earlier in the year, a consultant from Mersey Travel produced recommendations to encourage lift sharing and walking to work.  These initiatives are being implemented imminently.

Information on liverpoolphil.com and in pre-and post-concert emails now actively encourage people to consider public transport options, walking or cycling when attending events at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall

·         Creative Green and Low Carbon Economy

Liverpool Philharmonic is the first cultural organisation in Liverpool to participate in Julie’s Bicycle’s Creative Green Framework which supports and enables the cultural sector to take positive action to reduce its environmental impact and work towards a low-carbon economy.

Liverpool Philharmonic is also working with the City Region’s Low Carbon Eco-Innovatory a unique partnership between Liverpool John Moores University, University of Liverpool and Lancaster University and part-funded through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The project, co-ordinated by LJMU, will  identify opportunities for low carbon development and improve energy performance, such as reviewing Building Management Systems and heating,  and installation of solar panels, to ultimately bring about economic and environmental benefits to both Liverpool Philharmonic and the wider community.

·         Suppliers, Materials, Waste and Recycling

As part of supplier procurement, Liverpool Philharmonic is ensuring that suppliers have strong sustainability credentials.

The organisation is monitoring volume of and materials used for printed communications materials, and those used for containers and packaging of consumable goods.  This includes using paper stock that is FSC certified, inks free of harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and companies with Carbon Balanced Publication Printer accreditation.

Disposable plastic glasses are no longer used in any bars at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall and have been replaced with a mixture of glass and polycarbonate glasses for events where drinks are permitted. Drinking straws are compostable paper and hot drinks are served in crockery only.

Recycling bins are available ‘back of house’ at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, and are set to be installed in the public areas at front of house.

·         Working with our Neighbours

Helping to drive Liverpool City Region’s sustainability agenda and promote sustainability and environmental issues, Liverpool Philharmonic is an active member of Liverpool Knowledge Quarter’s Sustainability Network and its Joint Transport Stakeholder Group. Other members include representatives from leading organisations and community groups in with a vast range of experience in sustainability. 

Millicent Jones, Liverpool Philharmonic Executive Director (Audiences and Development) and its representative on the Knowledge Quarter groups said:

‘We are keen to play our part in contributing to the vision for an environmentally sustainable  City Region and everyone at Liverpool Philharmonic has fully embraced the initiatives in our Environmental Action Plan.  Because of that, we’ve made  some good steps forward in raising awareness amongst our colleagues, visitors and the wider public  of our environmental impact and the  things we can think about doing ourselves to reduce it.  

‘Led by our Environmental Champions Group, who have lots of ideas for new initiatives, there’s lot more that we plan to do.  We’re grateful to partners and suppliers in the city who have been working with us to achieve what we have so far.’

Ends

Further information from Jayne Garrity, Head of Communications, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic:Direct +44 151 210 3791 Mobile +44 7967 364 241 Email jayne.garrity@liverpoolphil.com