Environmental Policy 

Introduction

The Diverse Artists Network (DAN) has woven the principles of sustainability into the fabric of its mission since its inception in 2017. The organisation, along with its community of artists, has historically practised economical and resource-conscious operations, embodying the ethos of reuse and recycling. Art, in its essence, promotes regeneration, encourages innovative solutions, and plays a pivotal role in the development of sustainable communities.

As a champion for both the arts and the environment, the Diverse Artists Network is acutely aware of the urgent challenges posed by climate change. It is our belief that adopting environmentally friendly practices is not just a choice but a social and moral imperative. We are committed to continuously evaluating and minimising our ecological footprint, integrating environmental responsibility seamlessly into all aspects of our operations and ensuring that our activities remain accessible to artists over the long term.

We have identified three primary areas within DAN for targeted sustainability improvements: our buildings, our programming activities, and our staff & office operations. Each area comes with specific aspirations and commitments towards reducing our environmental impact.

Our rented facilities 

Our rented facilities are at the heart of our environmental challenges and opportunities for reducing our impact. Our initiatives include:

1. Improving the environmental efficiency of all rented facilities, striving for an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of C or above by 2025, and B or above by 2030, where achievable within our rental agreements.
2. Seeking ‘excellent’ BREEAM accreditation or a B or higher EPC for spaces we intend to rent, where negotiations with landlords permit.
3. Promoting sustainable practices in refurbishments and fit-outs of our rented spaces.
4. Pursuing carbon emissions reductions in line with our Carbon Management Plan, focusing on operations within our rented facilities.
5. Enhancing energy and water efficiency, waste management, and air quality in our rented environments.
6. Exploring the feasibility of renewable energy systems and the procurement of renewable or carbon-neutral energy supplies, in consultation with our landlords.
7. Encouraging conservation of resources and sustainable travel options among our employees and visitors.
8. Monitoring and assessing environmental performance metrics for ongoing improvement within our rented spaces. 

Our programming activities 

We recognise the environmental footprint of our programming and its potential to influence sustainable practices. Our objectives include:

• Integrating sustainability themes into our content and discussions, fostering awareness and solutions.
• Collaborating with partners to share knowledge and support around sustainability.
• Minimising the environmental impact of our events and exhibitions through life cycle thinking, responsible procurement, and material reuse and recycling.
• Engaging local communities to minimise travel impacts while ensuring accessibility.

Our offices and staff

Sustainability is ingrained in our organisational culture, extending to how we support and manage our team. Our commitments are:

• Promoting environmental policies and sustainable resource use among our staff.
• Encouraging efficient use of energy and water, and mindful disposal of resources.
• Supporting blended working arrangements and sustainable commute options.
• Engaging in open communication about our environmental initiatives and performance, and fostering a culture of feedback and continuous improvement.

The Diverse Artists Network holds itself accountable for the ongoing evaluation and enhancement of our environmental practices, ensuring they remain effective and relevant. This commitment is overseen by our Environment board Lead, Deay Bamford, a dedicated Trustee, ensuring our journey towards a more sustainable and responsible future.