A Sustainable Future for Leeds Heritage Theatres
Posted Case study, News
SAIL provided in-depth support to Leeds Heritage Theatres, developing a cohesive sustainability strategy that addresses the unique challenges of multiple cultural venues while aligning with the broader decarbonisation efforts of Leeds City Council.
SAIL conducted comprehensive sustainability audits at each of the venues, Leeds Grand Theatre, City Varieties Music Hall, and Hyde Park Picture House. This assessment captured the current state of sustainability initiatives, identified key achievements, and highlighted priority areas for improvement.
Following this, SAIL facilitated a series of collaborative workshops with staff, leading to the co-creation of a new Environmental Sustainability Policy. This policy reflects the organisation’s values and ambitions and aligns with both local priorities and international climate commitments.
To turn this policy into practice, SAIL worked with the team to create a detailed sustainability action plan. This plan breaks down broad goals into specific, measurable objectives—each with clear actions, assigned responsibilities, and metrics to monitor progress.
In addition to strategy development, SAIL continues to serve as an accountability partner. This includes regular check-ins, ongoing sector-specific guidance, and connecting the team to a wider network of sustainability experts and resources. Through this partnership, Leeds Heritage Theatres are well-supported in achieving their sustainability ambitions.
Working with SAIL has accelerated the Environmental Sustainability strategy at Leeds Heritage Theatres, through conducting a thorough audit of our sites, supporting us to shape our Environmental Sustainability Policy and Action Plan and ensuring teams from across the organisation are onboard with our vision for sustainability and understand the role they can play in achieving it.
SAIL are experts in their field, and their down to earth and friendly approach makes the team a pleasure to work with.
Anne Shaw, Head of House Management
The Grand Theatre, Leeds