Our impact

As the proud sustainability partners for the LEEDS 2023 Year of Culture, we at SAIL have set our sights supporting the year of culture in being the most environmentally sustainable to date. This mission propelled us to roll up our sleeves and dig deep into the environmental foundations of the event.

We introduced Carbon Literacy training to the entire staff, equipping them with the tools to understand and reduce their environmental impact, and set up a dynamic sustainability working group, drawing together minds from all corners of the organisation.

SAIL also took on the task of calculating the carbon impact of every event, creating a baseline from which to create an action plan for driving down the emissions.

One innovative solution was the introduction of a solar/hybrid generator for the WOW Barn Project. Ditching traditional diesel, we instead harnessed the power of the sun, utilising solar panels and batteries. For those less-than-sunny days, we had a backup plan: two synchronised generators running on Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil. This ensured an uninterrupted power supply without compromising our green principles.

The results? A significant reduction in the event’s carbon footprint, saving 7 tonnes of CO2 emissions.

Through our partnership with LEEDS 2023, we’re demonstrating that sustainability and culture can work hand in hand. We’re excited to continue our journey towards a greener future, one cultural event at a time.

We understand that knowledge is the foundation of meaningful action. That’s why we regularly host workshops for our members, creating spaces for learning, dialogue, and growth.

To date, our workshops have covered a variety of crucial topics. We’ve delved into the “Climate Action Readiness Assessment”, giving members tools to gauge their preparedness for climate action. We’ve unpacked the Arts Green Book, a vital guide for greener operations in the cultural sector. We’ve also explored the intricacies of communicating the climate crisis to our collective audiences, acknowledging the profound role that arts and culture can play in raising awareness and sparking change.

But why are these workshops so important?

Simply put, sustainability in the creative and cultural industries isn’t just about reducing our carbon footprint. It’s about fostering a deeper understanding of our relationship with the environment, and empowering each other to make a positive impact. These workshops equip our members with the knowledge and tools they need to navigate the complex landscape of environmental sustainability.

Together, we’re not just learning about sustainability, we’re becoming active participants in shaping a more sustainable future for our industries and our communities.

From the moment SAIL first started, our Carbon Literacy Training has been a guiding compass for our mission. This course is designed to give participants the tools and understanding they need to address sustainability challenges, whether they’re in the workplace or pursuing individual creative endeavours.

To date, we’re proud to say we’ve reached a significant milestone – over 1,000 people in the region have embarked on this transformative journey with us. Our learners come from all walks of life and from a variety of organisations. This includes esteemed institutions like Channel 4, Leeds Museums and Galleries, Screen Yorkshire, Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Leeds Heritage Theatres, BEAM, and more.

By equipping these individuals and organisations with carbon literacy, we’re planting seeds of sustainability in a broad range of cultural and creative settings. Each person trained becomes an advocate for change, helping to steer our sector towards a more sustainable future, one decision at a time.

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