🌱 Davenham Players Sustainability Policy
🌱 Executive Summary: Proposed vs Existing Sustainability Policy
- Tone & Accessibility
• Proposed uses a warm, theatrical tone with community focus
• Existing is formal and generic
✅ Proposed is easier for volunteers to engage with and feel ownership of - Structure & Readability
• Proposed uses clear headings, bullet points, and theatrical examples
• Existing is dense and harder to navigate
✅ Proposed improves usability for inductions and event planning - Creative Reuse
• Proposed links reuse to artistic identity
• Existing lists reuse without context
✅ Proposed reinforces sustainability as part of DP’s creative ethos - Bar & Hospitality
• Proposed includes supplier examples and community values
• Existing mentions local sourcing briefly
✅ Proposed builds transparency and ethical procurement - Digital & Admin Practices
• Proposed promotes digital ticketing and signage
• Existing focuses only on paper reduction
✅ Proposed aligns with modern theatre operations - Building & Energy
• Proposed adds annual reviews and future planning
• Existing mentions LED lighting and insulation
✅ Proposed strengthens committee oversight and long-term strategy - Waste Management
• Proposed adds signage and volunteer engagement
• Existing outlines waste hierarchy only
✅ Proposed makes policy visible and actionable during events - Carbon & Climate Action
• Proposed references Theatre Green Book and offsetting
• Existing mentions emissions reduction briefly
✅ Proposed aligns with sector standards and funding expectations - Community Engagement
• Proposed introduces “Green Curtain” campaign and induction links
• Existing mentions support for initiatives
✅ Proposed embeds sustainability into DP’s culture and participation - Review & Accountability
• Proposed includes annual review and building change linked updates
• Existing offers a generic review statement
✅ Proposed improves governance and continuous improvement
🌱 Davenham Players Sustainability Policy
Proposed Version: October 2025 | Review Due: October 2026
🎭 Our Commitment to Sustainable Theatre
At Davenham Players, we believe creativity and care go hand in hand. As custodians of a 200-year-old building and a vibrant community, we’re committed to reducing our environmental impact while celebrating the joy of live performance. Sustainability isn’t a side note—it’s part of our story.
We aim to follow and champion good environmental practices, reduce the footprint of our activities, and give something back to our planet and our people.
♻️ Our Principles
We will:
- Comply with all relevant environmental legislation and local authority guidance.
- Reduce our consumption of energy, water, and materials.
- Reuse, repurpose, and repair wherever possible.
- Make decisions that consider environmental, social, and ethical impact.
- Support local suppliers and sustainable products.
- Review and improve our practices regularly.
🎨 Creative Reuse & Resourcefulness
We embrace the art of making something from nothing. Our productions and operations will:
- Reuse costumes, props, and set materials across shows.
- Repurpose donated wood (e.g. pallets) for set building and maintenance.
- Use donated water-based paints from Changing Lives warehouse.
- Prioritise repair over replacement for furniture, tech, and fittings.
- Gradually transition to LED lighting throughout the theatre and auditorium.
🧃 Bar & Hospitality
We will:
- Source locally where possible (e.g. Cheshire Farm Ice Cream with recyclable packaging).
- Minimise single-use plastics and packaging.
- Work with suppliers to reduce environmental impact across our supply chain.
- Turn off appliances, such as the fridge, between shows to reduce energy consumption.
🧾 Communications & Admin
We will:
- Minimise paper use, opting for digital communications and signage. Or use of chalk boards in the bar area.
- Use recycled paper where printing is essential.
- Encourage digital ticketing and explore e-programmes.
🏛️ Building & Energy
We will:
- Review insulation and energy efficiency of the theatre annually.
- Plan for a well-insulated extension with modern heating/cooling systems.
- Monitor energy use and explore renewable options where feasible.
🚮 Waste Management
We follow the Waste Hierarchy:
- Avoid waste
- Minimise
- Reuse
- Recycle
- Recover
- Dispose safely
We will:
- Provide clear signage for recycling backstage and front-of-house.
- Work with volunteers to reduce event waste and encourage reuse.
🤝 Community & Culture
We will:
- Support local environmental initiatives and charities.
- Embed sustainability into volunteer induction and committee planning.
- Celebrate eco-conscious creativity in our events and communications.
🎭 Example: Our “Green Curtain” initiative on the website invites members to share upcycled costume ideas and eco-friendly set hacks. Asks readership for any donations of old clothes costumes or materials for sets as required – donated vintage hat for 1950s play. Encourages actors to wear own clothes when appropriate for the role.
🔄 Review & Accountability
This policy will be reviewed annually or following any building change.
Progress will be logged and shared with the committee and wider membership.
This policy was agreed at the committee meeting on the DD.MM.YYYY. It is to be reviewed annually to ensure that it is fit for purpose and current at the first Committee meeting following each Annual General Meeting of the club.
Signed
Chairman … (DIGITAL SIGNATURE). Secretary (DIGITAL SIGNATURE).
Name of chair Name of Secretary
Date … DD.MM.YYYY …………………. Date … DD.MM.YYYY ………………….
