We are proud to announce that Mayflower has achieved Theatre Green Book Intermediate Level for our venues, demonstrating our commitment to sustainability and our ambition to achieve net-zero.
Mayflower’s Environment & Sustainability team set out in 2023 to deliver improvements in waste management, energy efficiency and sustainable productions, including the creation of a dedicated prop store and 4,000m² offsite storage facility.
A programme of LED investment across our venues, including theatrical lighting and LED follow spots, has delivered over 10% annual reductions in electrical consumption.
Reusable beakers have removed 127,000 single use plastic cups from the theatre, and we have increased our recycling from 10.4% in 2019 to over 60% in 2026.
For The Last Rose of Summer, 77% of the sets, scenery, props and costumes were either recycled or made from recycled materials, and 94% of these will be recycled again for future productions.
Looking ahead to Les Misérables School Edition this summer, the production will utilise a hired set as well as props and costumes recycled from our previous productions.
We have also undertaken Carbon Literacy Training with staff across the organisation, including our board.
These are all fantastic achievements which have now been officially recognised by Theatre Green Book.
Mayflower continues to work with staff, suppliers and visiting companies to educate and encourage positive change that limits our impact on the environment, while staging high-quality productions and participation events for the communities we serve.
What is Theatre Green Book?
Theatre Green Book is a global industry-wide initiative to work more sustainably in response to the climate crisis. It is a free resource for everyone in the performing arts, working in any role and at all scales, providing a framework for planning, best practise guidance, a measurement system and shared standards.
It provides accessible and practical guidance, toolkits and case studies, created by theatre makers and sustainability experts on how to shift a circular economy model, decarbonise and become more sustainable across productions, building and operations – all without compromising artistic vision.