Sustainable DT
En route to a more (ecologically) sustainable theatre
In addition to the values-based compliance programme drawn up by the German Stage Association (Deutscher Bühnenverein) which we signed in 2018, we have developed statutes and guidelines for our work through internal management policies. In these, sustainability and diversity have been identified as some of our key responsibilities. Developing strategies that give an equal share to social, ecological and economic considerations is an essential aspect of best leadership practice and a functioning workplace, and thus also forms a part of our artistic and social responsibility. With the help of various process-accompanying formats, coaching and further training – such as, for example, the development of a plan to advance women, critical whiteness seminars, workshops on the topic of diversity, risk analysis of psychological stress and training courses in conflict management and communication – we have appraised each other and our work over the past few years. We will continue to do this with review and feedback tools, so that we can reflect on our behaviour and support ongoing transformation processes. The following issues, connected to the times we live in, are the most pressing questions we are considering:
What does a future-forward, ecological and sustainable theatre (in every aspect) look like – both on and behind the stage? What can and must we do to achieve this – which structures should be changed, which goals set and rules defined? How do we create an accessible, diverse and democratic place at the DT and a work climate free from fear that promotes solidarity and plurality – conscious of our responsibilities and privileges and in a constructively critical dialogue? How do we enable participation and create equality, and how do we prevent abuses of power and discrimination – in our workplace as well as a social space where the public meets? How can the DT reduce its ecological footprint and act in a more sustainable way overall – as an institution and an employer of roughly 300 permanent employees, and also in its artistic procedures and in what is visible to audiences?
Our goal, in particular, is to embed ecological sustainability into our work in the long term in a comprehensive and multi-level way, i.e. to continuously adopt and steadily increase measures that ensure a more climate-friendly, resource-saving theatre business – and to consider and implement these measures when making operational and artistic decisions.
While such aspects have been considered and integrated from the outset in new buildings such as our rehearsal centre (completed in 2016), it is a more challenging proposal for the existing stages and older buildings, some of which are listed. But here, too, technical renewals and restorations are an important factor in our commitment to a more resource-efficient theatre. For example, we have initiated a complete conversion to LED light sources and a comprehensive renovation of the windows in all company departments. In the course of this work, we have also created a new full-time position for the supervision of construction and sustainability.
In addition, autumn 2019 saw the formation of the DT climate group whose members come from various departments in the company. Alongside the creation of a Green Guideline (which serves as guidance and stimulus to employees’ self-commitment), participation in climate protests and the introduction of monthly campaigns (to create awareness for more sustainable and energy-saving behaviour and actions in everyday work), participating in continuous networking and further training beyond the company are important objectives for the group. Since autumn 2019, for example, we have been involved in the following initiatives: Green Culture Desk (at the invitation of the B90/DIE GRÜNE parliamentary group in the Bundestag), Green Managers Meeting (organised by mitos21), Green Theatre Conference (organised by ETC), Forum Betriebsökologie (a business ecology forum organised by the Sustainability Action Network) and the Forum for Ecological Sustainability in the Theatre (organised by the Berlin Theatertreffen in cooperation with the Aktionsnetzwerk Nachhaltigkeit / Sustainability Action Network), in the context of which three DT employees have been trained as Green Ambassadors. Within the company, the climate group aims to be a mouthpiece and source of inspiration for making do with less and for breaking new ground proactively. This has already resulted in the avoidance of flights as far as possible, improvements in waste separation and recycling, a reduction in print and paper usage, a deposit cup system for the canteen and the development of environmentally friendly merchandise.
In close coordination and cooperation with the directorship around Iris Laufenberg, our designated new artistic director from 2023 onwards, we are prioritising the issues of sustainability and ecological transformation at the Deutsches Theater Berlin as well as taking the next urgent steps at an institutional level towards creating a green, accessible and future-forward DT.
What does a future-forward, ecological and sustainable theatre (in every aspect) look like – both on and behind the stage? What can and must we do to achieve this – which structures should be changed, which goals set and rules defined? How do we create an accessible, diverse and democratic place at the DT and a work climate free from fear that promotes solidarity and plurality – conscious of our responsibilities and privileges and in a constructively critical dialogue? How do we enable participation and create equality, and how do we prevent abuses of power and discrimination – in our workplace as well as a social space where the public meets? How can the DT reduce its ecological footprint and act in a more sustainable way overall – as an institution and an employer of roughly 300 permanent employees, and also in its artistic procedures and in what is visible to audiences?
Our goal, in particular, is to embed ecological sustainability into our work in the long term in a comprehensive and multi-level way, i.e. to continuously adopt and steadily increase measures that ensure a more climate-friendly, resource-saving theatre business – and to consider and implement these measures when making operational and artistic decisions.
While such aspects have been considered and integrated from the outset in new buildings such as our rehearsal centre (completed in 2016), it is a more challenging proposal for the existing stages and older buildings, some of which are listed. But here, too, technical renewals and restorations are an important factor in our commitment to a more resource-efficient theatre. For example, we have initiated a complete conversion to LED light sources and a comprehensive renovation of the windows in all company departments. In the course of this work, we have also created a new full-time position for the supervision of construction and sustainability.
In addition, autumn 2019 saw the formation of the DT climate group whose members come from various departments in the company. Alongside the creation of a Green Guideline (which serves as guidance and stimulus to employees’ self-commitment), participation in climate protests and the introduction of monthly campaigns (to create awareness for more sustainable and energy-saving behaviour and actions in everyday work), participating in continuous networking and further training beyond the company are important objectives for the group. Since autumn 2019, for example, we have been involved in the following initiatives: Green Culture Desk (at the invitation of the B90/DIE GRÜNE parliamentary group in the Bundestag), Green Managers Meeting (organised by mitos21), Green Theatre Conference (organised by ETC), Forum Betriebsökologie (a business ecology forum organised by the Sustainability Action Network) and the Forum for Ecological Sustainability in the Theatre (organised by the Berlin Theatertreffen in cooperation with the Aktionsnetzwerk Nachhaltigkeit / Sustainability Action Network), in the context of which three DT employees have been trained as Green Ambassadors. Within the company, the climate group aims to be a mouthpiece and source of inspiration for making do with less and for breaking new ground proactively. This has already resulted in the avoidance of flights as far as possible, improvements in waste separation and recycling, a reduction in print and paper usage, a deposit cup system for the canteen and the development of environmentally friendly merchandise.
In close coordination and cooperation with the directorship around Iris Laufenberg, our designated new artistic director from 2023 onwards, we are prioritising the issues of sustainability and ecological transformation at the Deutsches Theater Berlin as well as taking the next urgent steps at an institutional level towards creating a green, accessible and future-forward DT.