Shaping the Future of Sustainable Theatre: Charcoalblue Supports the Theatre Green Book’s Next Chapter
03/12/25
We’re delighted and proud to support the next chapter of the Theatre Green Book as it becomes an independent, not-for-profit organisation. This step marks a significant milestone for the performing arts, strengthening the sector's commitment to embedding sustainable practice in how we make, run, and experience theatre.
For us at Charcoalblue, this announcement is also a chance to reflect on a collaboration we’ve been part of since the very beginning — one rooted in our belief in access, inclusion and theatre’s power to bring people together.
Sustainability has always shaped how we design performance spaces, advise clients, and think about the long-term role of theatre in our communities. When the Theatre Green Book emerged, it aligned naturally with our vision that creative, practical action can and will lead to meaningful environmental change.
A Partnership Built Over Many Years
Our involvement with the Theatre Green Book has grown steadily over the past five years. From early discussions with the authors to contributing case studies, technical insight, and sector knowledge, our teams have helped test, challenge, and strengthen the guidance on buildings, productions, and operations.
In that time, the Theatre Green Book has gained extraordinary momentum. More than 350 UK organisations and hundreds of theatre workers have publicly committed to its standards, and the guidance is now used internationally, with networks across Europe, Asia, Australia, and the Americas. The recently published Impact Report highlights tangible shifts in practice and mindset—evidence that the sector is moving together in the right direction.
Kate Varah (Executive Director & Co-Chief Executive, NT)
Lisa Burger (Co-Chair, Renew Culture)
Paul Handley (Director of Production & Technical, NT)
Indhu Rubasingham (Director & Co-Chief Executive, NT)
Justine Simons - (Deputy Mayor for Culture and the Creative Industries, Greater London Authority)
Supporting the Theatre Green Book’s Future
As the initiative becomes an independent organisation under the leadership of its first Chair, Abigail Pogson, we’re proud to stand alongside a small group of Founding Supporters providing core financial and sector support for 2026–28.
The new structure will connect and coordinate the many international networks now using the guidance, helping to share knowledge and approaches more effectively.
We see the Theatre Green Book as one of the most impactful collective efforts the sector has undertaken—and we’re committed to helping it continue to grow.
Abigail Pogson, Paddy Dillon, Lisa Burger and Andrew Wylie
Paddy Dillon on Charcoalblue’s Role
“By the time the Theatre Green took shape, in early 2021, Charcoalblue had already established their reputation as advocates and pioneers for a more sustainable approach to theatre. That matched their designers’ ability to deeply understand existing models, and then re-think them. And it matched their mission to equip clients with carefully thought-out long-term solutions. Environmentally sustainable theatre is the ultimate long-term solution. Writing the Theatre Green Book meant deeply understanding the complex processes of making theatre – and re-thinking them to avoid harming the planet.
It wasn’t surprising, therefore, that early conversations should unite Charcoalblue with the Theatre Green Book’s authors – conversations built on many years of working together on theatre capital projects. Since the first volume of the Theatre Green Book came out in spring 2021, the partnership between Theatre Green Book and Charcoalblue has continued to deepen. Charcoalblue’s sustainability lead co-chaired the Theatre Green Book’s advisory committee for buildings. Charcoalblue experts developed welcome case studies, and offered valuable feedback.
No surprise, therefore, that when Theatre Green Book was established as an independent charity, and imagined a small group of close collaborators to underpin it as Founding Supporters, Charcoalblue was one of the first to be approached. This partnership has deep roots, recognising Charcoalblue’s stake in theatre’s sustainable future, and exemplifying their commitment to it. It involves much more than welcome financial backing that will enable Theatre Green Book to continue supporting theatre’s net zero transition. It brings experts to the heart of the Theatre Green Book, ensuring best practice guidance based on intimate knowledge of theatre-making. The journey to net zero involves everyone who loves theatre. The partnership between Theatre Green Book and Charcoalblue creates the strongest possible base for continued progress.”
Paddy Dillon and Lisa Burger
Renew Culture Ltd
Looking Ahead
The Theatre Green Book has shown what’s possible when the sector comes together with imagination and determination. As it enters this new phase, we remain committed to helping theatres around the world make practical progress toward a net zero future—through our design work, consultancy, advocacy, and continued involvement in this important initiative.
Hannah Alexander, Environmental Sustainability Co-ordinator, Charcoalblue
Andy Hayles, Managing Partner, Charcoalblue
Alex Wardle, Senior Consultant, Charcoalblue
Supporting the industry internationally since 2004
