About Transforming Energy
If you are a cultural organisation looking to take practical action in response to the climate crisis, a key way to do this is by becoming more energy efficient and reducing emissions. The Transforming Energy programme has been designed to help Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisations as well as the wider sector to do this.
Transforming Energy builds on the learnings of the Spotlight programme, which ran from 2018-22 and achieved significant results. Launched in April 2023, it focuses on decarbonisation and working towards net zero for buildings-based cultural organisations. It will run until March 2026.
There are two strands of activity to join so that we can support organisations working at all levels, whether they are just starting out, or more advanced and planning a capital project:
- Buildings Net Zero Energy
- Capital Investment Ready.
Buildings Net Zero Energy
This strand is those who are just starting out, or have begun to work on energy reduction but are keen to do more. It includes free, self-service resources, support from our technical partners, Pilio, and training on good energy management practice provided by Julie’s Bicycle.
Capital Investment Ready
This programme works with two cohorts of 10 organisations that are already making significant progress in energy reductions. It supports them to become Capital Investment Ready for the electrification of one key cultural venue, and aims to help them decarbonise their buildings by 2030. Applications to this programme are open until 29 November 2024, sign up now.
– MAC Birmingham
Inspiration from inside the community
Cultural organisations are taking climate action with practical and creative responses celebrating and centering people and planet, nature and justice. If you’d like to find out about the vital, creative work that’s already happening across the sector to kickstart your Transforming Energy journey, you can delve into the inspiring stories from those who have participated in the Spotlight programme which ran between 2018-2022.
The Glasshouse International Centre for Music (formerly Sage Gateshead) Tullie House Young Vic Royal Opera HousePICTURES: Energy theatre performance, photographer Chris Webb // We Are Watching by Dan Archer , part of Greenwich and Docklands International Festival 2021, photographer Alicia Clarke// Creative Climate Leadership UK, photographer Ruth Davey
