Curated Place recognise and acknowledge the climate crisis and in particular the impact of our work and it’s carbon footprint.

We therefore endeavour to deliver the Cultural Business Development Programme (CBDP) with the minimum environmental impact possible, working through every aspect of the ideation, planning and delivery with an environmentally conscious approach. 

Climate and environmental considerations are addressed as a key part of responsible business planning - environmental sustainability cannot be disentangled from financially and ethically responsible practices. 

We commit to being sustainable throughout and will aim to implement best practices, while expecting the same commitment from our partners and suppliers, and encouraging the same environmentally conscious behaviour in our training participants.

Whilst we have defined our Sustainability Policy and measures, we are aware that there is always scope for improvement, so we are adopting a continuous learning approach and we will carry out regular reviews to monitor our sustainability, define areas that can be further progressed and set future targets.

Transformation and Climate Justice

• We take our lead from Creative Scotland’s Climate Emergency and Sustainability Plan and encourage and empower the culture and creativity sector in Scotland to become a positive force in the fair and equitable transformation of Scottish society towards a zero-carbon, climate ready nation.

• Curated Place are members of Culture for Climate Scotland’s Green Arts Initiative

• We follow circular economy principles - prioritising reduction, reuse, repair and recycling over disposal - and work to embed these in Curated Places operations, procurement and event management.

• We prioritise net zero practices wherever possible. Carbon offsetting can potentially dis-incentivise meaningful climate change mitigation actions and is a last resort, not a first solution. 

• The CBDP net zero net practices cover different areas: Transport and Accommodation, Food and Water, Digital First, Procurement, and Contributors.

Transport and Accommodation

• We encourage participants to use public transport when attending in person training sessions - venues have been selected that are accessible and easily reached by public transport or (for those based nearby) by active travel

• For the training delivery teams, train travel is the preferred ground travel option. When that is not feasible, we encourage car and taxi sharing.

• If delivery teams or participants need to stay overnight, they are accommodated at local providers in close proximity to the venues (within reasonable walking distance), with a commitment to environmentally friendly practices.

• In person sessions have been scheduled to start and end so that participants can reasonably take public transport and avoid peak travel times 

Food and water

• Delivery teams and participants are encouraged to bring their water bottle and a reusable tea/coffee mug to in person sessions

• We work with food providers local to the venues we use, and prioritise those who avoid the use of plastics and non-recyclable materials. Wherever possible reusable cups, plates, cutlery etc will be used.

• We plan catering orders carefully so we don’t order too much, but also ensure there is a route for any unused food products to be donated to local charities or food services.

• We will coordinate with venues to be aligned on their recycling operations, and support their processes and where feasible, will work with local venues and providers that support biodiversity, local food systems and conservation.

Digital First

• The CBDP is a hybrid programme. This recognises the importance of in person, face to face contact for building connections, networks and meaningful learning experiences. And it recognises that digital learning, while not without some carbon footprint, does reduce the need for travel, accommodation, catering and print outs

• We use a digital classroom and online communication and marketing, and only create physical print or learning materials if absolutely necessary.

• Where physical marketing or learning materials are required, they will be sustainably printed and recyclable or reusable. We adopt a reduce-reuse-recycle approach to minimise waste and prioritise sustainable solutions e.g. reduction in paper printing, taking smart approaches to design to ensure reuse of any materials and ensuring there are recycling stations at the festival venue.

• Did you know that the Curated Place team works remotely the majority of the time? We minimise in-person meetings with suppliers and stakeholders to reduce travel.

Procurement

• We outline that Sustainability is a shared value, therefore we ensure that during procurement of services suppliers share our commitment to re-use, recycle and engage in environmentally friendly practices.

• We prioritise local suppliers, to sustain the local economy and cut down on emissions.

Contributors

• The CBDP is a national programme, with input from Scotland, the wider UK and internationally. Contributors will join digital learning sessions, again cutting down on travel, accommodation and catering.