Environmental Leader

The Broadway theater community has outlined a series of goals as part of a new environmental initiative. “Broadway Goes Green” hopes to reduce Broadway’s carbon footprint, adopt environmentally sustainable practices and promote environmental awareness in the creation and presentation of Broadway shows.

In partnership with the Natural Resources Defense Council and with the support of Mayor Bloomberg, the initiative will target all aspects of the theater industry, from producers, theater owners, designers, managers, design shops and theatrer goers.

The program will encourage theaters to conduct carbon impact inventories and to set up plans to lower their carbon footprints.

Out of 39 Broadway theaters, 10 have already replaced their marquee lights with more efficient lighting and an additional 14 conversions are underway. In addition, touring shows have purchased nearly 1,900 tons of renewable energy credits to offset the emissions from transporting their equipment.

Movie theaters have also been greening their act. In September, Cinema West announced the installation of a 27-kilowatt solar photovoltaic system at its Fairfax 5 Theatres.