INK Sustainability Policy

 INK is a charity registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales (Registered Charity 1175770).

 1. Our Commitment 

INK is committed to creating bold, meaningful work while minimising our environmental impact and contributing positively to our community. We recognise that the arts have a responsibility to lead by example, using creativity to inspire sustainable thinking and action. Sustainability is embedded in our artistic, operational, and organisational decisions.

2. Scope 

This policy applies to all INK activities, including but not limited to:

·       Productions and rehearsals
·       Office and administrative operations
·       Touring, performances, and events
·       Education and outreach programmes
·       Partnerships, suppliers, and contractors 

All staff, self-employed artists, board members, and volunteers are encouraged to support and uphold this policy.

 3. Environmental Responsibility 

INK will strive to: 

a)       Sustainable Production Practices

·       Prioritise re-use, repair, repurposing and recycling of sets, props, and costumes.  We aim to borrow and return props rather than buy them new.
·       Design productions with modular, durable, and recyclable materials where possible.
·       Reduce waste during build, fit-up, and get-out processes.
·       Provide labelled recycling stations at our venues where appropriate.
·       Avoid single-use plastics wherever practical.
·       Prioritise e-ticketing and digital programmes. 

b)    Energy and Resources

·       Reduce energy consumption in offices, rehearsal rooms, and performance spaces.
·       Use energy-efficient equipment and lighting where available.
·       Conserve water and other natural resources.
·       Transition toward digital-first practices to reduce paper use. 

c) Travel and Touring

·       Minimise travel where possible through efficient scheduling and remote working.
·       Prioritise low-carbon transport options for staff, artists, and touring productions.
·       Encourage audience and participant use of public transport, cycling, or walking. 

4. Ethical Procurement and Partnerships       

 INK will:

·       Work with suppliers and venues that demonstrate responsible environmental and ethical practices.
·       Consider sustainability, durability, and lifecycle impact when purchasing materials and services.
·       Support local businesses and creative practitioners where feasible.
·       Prioritise local suppliers for catering and equipment to reduce our carbon footprint and support the local economy.
 

5. Social Sustainability 

Sustainability for INK also means caring for people. We are committed to: 

·       Providing a safe, inclusive, and respectful working environment.
·       Supporting fair pay, wellbeing, and reasonable working practices.
·       Championing diversity, equity, and access in our work, participants, and audiences.
·       Engaging with communities in a way that is responsible, collaborative, and mutually beneficial.

6. Artistic Responsibility 

INK recognises the power of storytelling to influence attitudes and behaviours. Where appropriate, we will: 

·       Explore environmental and social themes in our programming.
·       Use our platform to raise awareness and encourage dialogue around sustainability and climate responsibility.

7. Financial Sustainability

INK recognises the need for prudent financial management to ensure the organisation remains sustainable and financially viable into the future. INK will: 

·       Ensure all income and expenditure budgets are regularly monitored and controlled.
·       Take action to ensure any potential financial risk is mitigated.
·       Regulate cash flow to ensure it can meet its financial obligations.

8. Governance and Continuous Improvement 

·       Responsibility for sustainability is shared across the organisation, with oversight from INK’s leadership.
·       We will regularly review and update this policy to reflect best practice and evolving environmental standards.
·       Progress will be monitored, and realistic targets will be set as resources allow.
·       Feedback from artists, audiences, and partners is welcomed to help improve our approach.

 9. Transparency 

INK is committed to being open about our sustainability efforts, celebrating successes while acknowledging areas for improvement. 

Reviewed:  1st March 2026 

Signed:  Heather Newill - Chair