Revamped Eco-Friendly Cultural Landmarks for Environmental Stewardship
In a significant step towards sustainability, several Montreal cultural venues have had their Eco-Responsible Scene accreditations renewed. These include the Centre du Théâtre d'Aujourd'hui, the Théâtre Gilles-Vigneault, and the Maison de la Culture de Waterloo, among others.
The Quebec Council of Eco-Responsible Events (CQEER) awarded a total of 25 venues across Canada with this accreditation, with 23 having their accreditations renewed and 2 receiving it for the first time. Among the newcomers are the Théâtre La Chapelle Scènes contemporaines and the Plateau-Mont-Royal cultural center.
Recognition in the Eco-Responsible Scene accreditation can range from bronze to gold, with the platinum accreditation being the highest level. To meet these standards, cultural venues have had to adapt their offerings, implementing compost bins, eliminating printed brochures, and avoiding plastic containers, among other measures.
For the Théâtre La Chapelle Scènes contemporaines and the Plateau-Mont-Royal cultural center, these changes were mainly about concretizing already present efforts. Salomé Cressot-Dossche, administrative assistant and sustainable development manager at La Chapelle, estimates that the process from discussions on obtaining accreditation to the final inspection took over a year.
Marie-Louise Larocque, cultural agent at the Plateau-Mont-Royal cultural center, notes that the steps leading to accreditation fit into the city's strategic plan, Montreal 2030. The center had to make changes such as adding compost and recycling bins, buying second-hand dishes for the team and artists, and ending the use of disposable water bottles.
Sophie-Laurence Lauzon, co-director general of the CQEER, notes that since the pandemic, there haven't been many new accredited venues, with the majority being renewals. A renewal of the Eco-Responsible Scene accreditation is required every two years.
The Plateau-Mont-Royal cultural center is aiming for the platinum accreditation, a feat that can only be obtained by cultural venues that renew their accreditations. The real challenge for the center was documenting already started sustainable development efforts.
The industry is also aiming to improve its climate resilience by adapting to the increase in heatwaves and storms. This fact, however, is not directly related to the previous paragraphs and is a new addition.
In another development, the Grand-Espace, a new theatre for young people, could help Sherbrooke and the Estrie region catch up on their lag in youth show attendance. This news, while not directly related to the Eco-Responsible Scene accreditation, underscores the broader commitment of cultural institutions in Montreal towards sustainability and community engagement.
- The newcomers to the Eco-Responsible Scene accreditation, Théâtre La Chapelle Scènes contemporaines and the Plateau-Mont-Royal cultural center, have been implementing measures such as adding compost and recycling bins, buying second-hand dishes, and ending the use of disposable water bottles in their pursuit of sustainable living within their home-and-garden and lifestyle.
- The encouragement of sustainable practices goes beyond just the Eco-Responsible Scene accreditation, as the industry is also aiming to improve its climate resilience by adapting to the increase in heatwaves and storms, which is an integral part of environmental-science and climate-change discussions.
- In addition to these accredited venues, the Grand-Espace, a new theatre for young people, could help Sherbrooke and the Estrie region catch up on their lag in youth show attendance, reflecting a broader commitment of Montreal's cultural institutions towards community engagement and highlighting the French philosophy that insists on a holistic approach towards sustainability in all aspects of life.
