LIPA shortlisted for environmental award
Tuesday 10 September 2024
The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA) has been shortlisted for an environmental Green Gown Award.
It’s in recognition of LIPA’s switch from tungsten lights to LED lighting in two of its performance spaces, resulting in an estimated reduction in energy consumption of 83% in the Paul McCartney Auditorium and the George Harrison Workshop Studio.
Now in their 20th year, The Green Gown Awards recognise exceptional sustainability initiatives undertaken by universities, colleges and other further and higher education institutions.
LIPA’s Productions Department have been shortlisted for the Sustainability Champion Award. LIPA’s CEO and Principal Sean McNamara says: “Being nominated for a Green Gown award is great recognition for the work that’s been done by our Productions Department.
“Winning the award would be further validation of the path we have chosen, to equip graduates with the skills, knowledge and experience to become environmental change-makers in the performing and creative arts.”
In autumn 2023 LIPA changed 74 tungsten light fittings to LED lighting in the Paul McCartney Auditorium and the George Harrison Workshop Studio. Twenty-six of the light fittings were converted, reducing the need to scrap material and where possible fixtures were recycled.
As well as a reduction in energy consumption the switch to LED has dramatically reduced the need for non-recyclable parts, including tungsten bulbs and gel filters. LED lighting also produces much less heat, reducing air conditioning use. LIPA are planning to move to LED lighting in other campus spaces.
Head of Productions Stella Okafor says the changes have been welcomed. “The response has been overwhelmingly positive from both students and staff.
“I think it’s really important that they can see us taking steps to do this and actions to make this work. We’re not just talking about making theatre greener but showing them what we can do.”
The Green Gown Award winners are announced on 13 November at a ceremony at Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh. LIPA’s Productions Department are: Stella Okafor (Head of Productions), Matthew Weeks (Lead Theatre Technician), Jon Hamer, Matt Jones and Jon Thornhill.
