A sustainable event
Sustainability is not only reflected in the artistic programme but also in the ecologically sound operation of the festival. Since 2008 the Theater Spektakel has become carbon-neutral thanks to Swiss Re and Zürcher Kantonalbank. Various measures shall help to further improve our ecobalance and to reduce the CO2 emission this year. In 2012, we informed the audiences on our ecological endeavors with manually operated crank cinemas placed on the festival site.
For years, the festival has adhered to the suggestions of the Zürcher Kantonalbank for the ecologically and socially sound organisation of events. The policy paper is integrated in the contracts with the gastronomic establishments on the festival site.
Code of practice of the Zürcher Kantonalbank (in German)
According to surveys of utility companies, lighting represents the greatest potential for saving energy. Retrofitting the entire festival illumination with energy efficient or LED lights has considerably reduced our electricity costs. Investing in more expensive technologies pays off as the consumption is reduced by 90% and the durability of the lamps is extended by far.
Despite the higher cost, the festival is entirely powered by solar electricity. A part of the additional costs are absorbed by the gastronomic establishments.
Thanks to the waste separation collectors placed in the various gastronomic establishments, 6,6 tons of biomass were collected last year. Additionally, the overall amount of collected recyclable material (biogenic waste, cardboard, PET, metals, etc.) has increased considerably.
The biogenic waste is fermented in a plant of Axpo Kompogas AG in Otelfingen near Zurich. The biogas produced is converted into carbon-neutral electricity or used for heat production or green fuel. The fermented residue is used as certified biological fertilizer. Fermentation is one of the most ecological friendly recycling methods of biogenic waste as it produces considerably less CO2 and has a higher energy efficiency compared to composting. The fossil synthetic material collected is processed by the company Plastoil and the oil produced replaces fossil energy in various ways.
With various on site measures we try to reduce the CO2 emission of the festival: parkings for 500 bicycles, the commuter boat sponsored by the Zürcher Kantonalbank, theatre tickets also valid for public transport, and much more. Yet an internationally renowned festival such as the Theater Spektakel still produces residual CO2 emissions caused above all by the flights booked for the artists and the transport of material. This residual amount is neutralized by the acquisition and closure of high quality certificates of emission reduction.
