Discourse, mobility, resources

In April 2023, the theatre management decided to develop a sustainability strategy for Theater Basel. The starting point for the overall strategy to be developed is the 'Sustainability' policy paper, which was drawn up by an internal working group, as well as an analysis by Carbotech AG of the theatre's CO2 emissions. The focus of the endeavours for CO2-sensitive operation lies in three central fields of action:

  • Discourse
  • Mobility
  • Resources

Theater Basel produces up to 28 new productions per season in its own workshops. It is a place of dialogue and social exchange. In future, the topic of sustainability is to be given even greater consideration and incorporated into the discourse of society as a whole via the programme.

Compensation and reduction

In March 2022, Theater Basel's ecological footprint was assessed for the first time by the company Carbotech. This was based on the data from the last full season before the pandemic: 18/19. From October 2024, the theatre will have its carbon footprint examined annually. This serves to monitor both the measures in the area of CO2 compensation and the direct avoidance of CO2 equivalents(reduction).

The 2022 analysis shows that Theater Basel emits 1,525 tonnes of CO2 equivalents per season. Of this, 838 tonnes are attributable to mobility: 487 tonnes to spectators and 350 tonnes to employees and artistic guests. Up to 700 guests work at Theater Basel every year. Around 275 tonnes of CO2 equivalents are generated in the area of resources: Purchased goods and services in production operations and workshops account for just under 235 tonnes. Added to this is food for the canteen and the theatre café, which is responsible for 40 tonnes. Heat and electricity for the entire operation and workshops, including our own vehicles, emit 364 tonnes of CO2 equivalents. Around 48 tonnes of CO2 equivalents are generated by waste and recycling.

Informative Graphik zu den Anteilen an CO2-Äquivalenten pro Bereich

Next steps

  • Definition of further targets for: Discourse, mobility and resources
  • Definition of the measures to be promoted
  • Definition of working methods

Theater Basel is working to reduce its CO2 emissions. Over the past 15 years, the theatre has already taken numerous steps to reduce its environmental impact in its workshops and event operations. More

Since the 23/24 season, the entire technical department and the workshops have been working on the key topic of resources. The 'Theatre Green Book', a practical handbook for sustainable work in and around the theatre, serves as a guide. More

The main factor for effective reduction is mobility. For this reason, Theater Basel is currently developing a travel policy to be applied in 24/25, thus integrating the reduction of CO2 emissions into theatre planning as a whole.

BLKB has been a sponsor of Theater Basel for many years. The collaboration was extended for a further four years in 2023. The common goal is for BLKB and the theatre to invest in climate protection to offset CO2 emissions in the area of mobility. In addition to its joint activities with the theatre, BLKB also works with the Frenkentäler forestry biodiversity project. More

Further information on the joint efforts with BLKB will follow.

Our network, our sources of inspiration:

  • SBV: First meetings with a focus on sustainability in autumn 2023; ongoing contact with colleagues at other Swiss theatres
  • Green Ambassador Programme of the Theatertreffen Berlin: 2-day training course in Berlin in autumn 2023
  • About this: Sustainability action network in culture and media with monthly online breakfast for all participants (international: D - A - CH)
  • Reflector: Swiss-based consultancy firm for sustainable cultural practice; regular contact and collaboration in the creation of 'Green Guides'
  • Basel-Stadt Office for the Environment and Energy: "Sustainable events" workshop series with various thematic focuses - 2023/2024
  • Offcut: material market for creative recycling with a hall on the Dreispitz site; material from theatre productions to Offcut - further collaboration planned
  • Presidential Department: first meeting on sustainability; all cultural institutions with Basel City Department of Culture in autumn 2023; ongoing information / CO2 balance
  • KlimaKontor Schweiz / Basel: climate café with Barbara Ellenberger in the Foyer Public every Tuesday; regular meetings and coordination

"Let me be your Greta." - with this call, the sustainability working group was founded in 2021 around the actor Andrea Bettini. The following colleagues now meet here every six weeks: Nadine Apperle (coordination), Andrea Bettini, Nils Braun-Dubler (lead), Carina Braunschmidt, Benjamin Büchel, Fabian Degen, Helga Gmeiner, Peter Krottenthaler (lead resources), Julia Leitmeyer (currently on maternity leave), Carsten Lipsius, René Matern, Benjamin Schmid, Alina Schwitter, Alex Stumpp, Pascal Thomann, Beat Weissenberger.

Together, they look at which measures are being implemented and realise actions themselves. To this end, key topics are discussed at each meeting.

An example from a recent meeting on the topic of recycling: the Facility department presented an overview of the existing infrastructure. This was discussed and revised at the working group meeting. The document was then sent to all employees with information on correct waste separation and the various disposal options at the theatre.

Contact persons

Nadine Apperle, Deputy Director of Finance & Administration, Coordinator of the Sustainability Working Group. Contact
Nils Braun-Dubler, Director of Finance & Administration. Contact
Peter Krottenthaler, Technical Director. Contact
Sustainability working group. Contact