Sustainable Cultural Experiences in the Nordics
The main goals of Sustainable Cultural Experiences in the Nordic Region has been to promote new initiatives, ideas, tools and knowledge about greener cultural production and consumption in the Nordic region. The project also aimed to contribute to shared experiences relevant in the development of culture-based and greener travel, through analysis of interests, mapping of existing initiatives and studies, cross-sectoral cooperation, strong networks, detailed planning for change in cultural institutions, identification of barriers and knowledge sharing.
"Cultural events are transformative, and culture is a powerful infuencer whose impact can contribute to community well-being, and to addressing systemic issues related to sustainability."
Key outputs
The project seeks to make cultural experiences in the Nordic Region greener through a number of efforts. Amongst these are: the development of a buyers network for the cultural sector in cooperation with the Swan Ecolabel, a study on digital culture communication in cooperation with literature festivals, Tekstallians and Vestlandsorskning, a LAB for children and youth in cooperation with Kulturtanken, University of Oslo and artists, a project on performative production from a youth perspective in cooperation with youth from Plattform Gátt, Sami artist debates and as a synthesis of all effort a green roadmap for cultural experiences in the Nordic Region.
The Nordic Green Roadmap for Cultural Institutions is a tool which will make it easier for cultural institutions to get started and bring about the green shift. It provides knowledge and a working tool to create the change that is required by providing overall insight and come up with concrete objectives and proposals for changes in action to create sustainable cultural experiences. For authorities and foundations, the tool can help to understand how to contribute to and support the necessary work, with resources or facilitation.
The roadmap was launched in September 2023 and met with great interest from the sector, resulting in the decision to create two additional chapters to the roadmap. One chapter on voluntary compensation in the cultural sector and one on digital footprints, both launched in June 2024.
Policy recommendations
Following the launch of the roadmap there have been a number of presentations of the work, including presentations of the policy recommendations. These include recommendations on...
- Dedicated funding streams and grants specifically for cultural institutions to support sustainability initiatives
- Green building standards for cultural institutions, incentives to use sustainable and recycled materials, energy-efficient designs, and renewable energy sources in new constructions or renovations
- Mechanisms for cultural institutions to participate in carbon of setting and trading programmes
- Guidelines and regulations placing requirements on cultural institutions to prioritise sustainable procurement practices, such as sourcing environmentally friendly materials, promoting fair trade products, and supporting local suppliers, mandatory environmental reporting requirements for cultural institutions
- Development of education schemes and training initiatives that enhance sustainability knowledge and skills among cultural institution staff, artists and management, policy integration and research and development
Future directions
For the cultural sector to continue its green transition, it is crucial to follow up on these subjects. There is still an acute need for support and knowledge sharing to get started and develop sustainable practices and for a Nordic platform that can communicate the Nordic Green Roadmap for Cultural Institutions and offer guidance to institutions and individuals that wish to make Nordic culture greener.
Resources
- Download the Nordic Green Roadmap for Cultural Institutions (norden.org)
- Stream talks and presentations: GREEN CHANGE - NLH
