In February 2025 we hosted a Sustainability in Practice event at The Hub. The event explored how the Arts Industry is adapting to meet Sustainability targets.  

We welcomed an audience of enthusiastic spectators from across the world of Culture and Sustainability. Attendees included Creative Scotland, Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, Festivals Edinburgh, Scottish Ballet, as well as our own staff.

Susan McIntosh, Director of Finance and Commercial at the International Festival, opened the event by highlighting our commitment to reducing emissions by adopting the British Standards Institute’s Net Zero Pathway to all areas of our work.  

A range of speakers shared their insight and learnings with the group, speaking directly from their experience working in the field of sustainability in the arts.

Sorcha Coller and Lucie Pierron from Askonas Holt, a leading international arts company specialising in classical music, shared their thoughts on sustainable touring and the challenges that arise. They discussed how sustainable planning and collaborative touring; and partnerships and building new working models are the two greatest opportunities for change in touring.

Gemma Swallow highlighted the incredible work she had conducted bringing the Theatre Green Book to life for National Theatre Scotland’s productions.  

Scott Morrison, captured the often neglected artists perspective towards International Touring through the launch of the Scottish Classical Sustainability Group’s research study. He spoke on how organisations need to do more to engage artists in their work on sustainability.

Find out more about Sustainability at Edinburgh International Festival.