Culture in transition: A sector-wide view of environmental action in 2024/25
From deep retrofit projects to circular economy initiatives, the 2024/25 environmental reporting results demonstrate a Scottish arts and culture sector increasingly aware of its role in the climate transition.
Since 2014/15, Culture for Climate Scotland has supported the sector in tracking its environmental impact. This year’s reporting cycle shows that reductions are being driven by genuine changes in practice rather than fluctuations in reporting. The data in our latest report reveals measurable results from energy efficiency improvements, better building control and more intentional travel planning.
The 2024/25 cohort
This year, 132 Scottish arts and culture organisations reported environmental data and plans for carbon management, adaptation and influence. The cohort reflects the diversity of the sector across three categories:
- Venues, museums and workshops: 50 organisations
- Festivals and producing organisations: 56 organisations
- Sector support organisations: 26 organisations
Understanding core emissions
In a significant step forward, we expanded the definition of core emissions. In addition to utilities, travel and waste, it now includes procurement, digital activity and hotel stays.
Despite this broader scope, total core emissions for 2024/25 were 10,407 tonnes CO2e – marking a notable 8% reduction from the 11,303 tonnes reported in the previous year.
Top takeaways
- Energy remains the dominant factor: Utilities account for 5,887 tonnes CO2e (57%) of total core emissions, continuing the trend of buildings being the sector’s most carbon-intensive assets.
- The challenge of travel: Travel is the second-largest source of emissions at 3,128 tonnes CO2e (30%), highlighting the ongoing tension between touring, artist mobility and climate goals.
- The scale of audience impact: While core emissions are falling, audience travel remains a massive factor. Reported by 28 organisations, audience travel totalled 36,194 tonnes CO2e – which is 348% of the entire sector’s core emissions.
- Commitment to net zero: 18 organisations are currently on track to be net zero by 2030, with an additional 30 aiming for net zero by 2045.
- Adaptation on the rise: There has been a noticeable shift in climate risk awareness. This year, 86 organisations submitted adaptation plans, a significant increase from only four organisations in 2022/23.
Leading the change
A central theme of the 2024/25 report is influence. While the sector’s operational footprint is a small fraction of Scotland’s national total, its potential to shape public dialogue is vast. Through programming and collective leadership, 124 organisations highlighted how they are using their influence to support climate engagement among audiences and communities.
As the climate emergency deepens, our report illustrates that meaningful change is achievable even with limited resources through collaboration and the sharing of knowledge.
Culture in transition: A sector-wide view of environmental action in 2024/25 (PDF 9.71MB)