A year out from beginning the pilot SHIFT Culture eco-certificate with European cultural networks, our friends at Creative Carbon Scotland (CCS) together with their auditing partners, Netherlands-based, Green Leisure Group (GLG), are delighted to announce that 15 networks have achieved certification with a further network working towards it.

From CCS:

Participating networks have worked to implement the SHIFT eco-guidelines for cultural networks that were developed during the original SHIFT project. Each network has implemented the mandatory guidelines in their own network organisation, participated in peer audits with their fellow participants and attended a combined development workshop in Brussels. Finally, GLG has used the guidelines to audit each network, which assured the credibility and integrity of the certification process. The initial project was a collaboration between nine cultural network organisations, supported by CCS and in conjunction with GLG.

The guidelines implemented were developed and designed specifically for network organisations, which tend to be small in size but large in terms of influence and with most of their environmental impact stemming from travel. The buddy and peer audit system has connected networks with each other around climate action.

Delivering the eco-certificate in this pilot phase is and will continue to be a learning experience for all. Many participating organisations are stretched for capacity, but the eco-guidelines provide a clear framework for effective climate action that each organisation can build from. We’ve also learned about how networks working further afield are often working up close with issues of climate justice, which is a challenge we continue to think through together.

‘We’re proud to have supported all the SHIFT Culture networks in implementing the eco-guidelines they designed and in their journeys to eco-certification. They’ve met the challenge with all the hard work they’ve put into the process. It’s inspiring to see the practical steps forward they’ve taken and their support for each other along the way.’

Caro Overy, CCS Green Arts Manager

In 2024, we look forward to supporting the existing networks to implement optional guidelines from the framework and meet together again to review and strengthen the guidelines according to ongoing participant experience. We are also keen to bring more network organisations on board. Interested European organisations can contact Caro Overy – caro.overy@creativecarbonscotland.com – for more information.

Congratulations to the first group of SHIFT eco-certified cultural network organisations:

• Aerowaves
• Assitej International
• Circostrada (European network for contemporary circus and outdoor arts)
• Culture Action Europe
• ECHO (European Concert Hall Organisation)
• EDN (European Dance Development Network)
• ELIA (Globally connected European network for higher arts education)
• EMC (European Music Council)
• ENCATC (European network on cultural management and policy)
• EJN (Europe Jazz Network)
• IETM (International network for contemporary performing arts)
• International Music Council
• On the Move
• Opera Europa
• REMA (European Network for Early Music)
• Res Artis (Worldwide Network of Arts Residencies) – certification in progress

Read more about SHIFT Culture.

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