A green opera experience as Glyndebourne makes changes backstage and front of house

Corks from wine and champagne will be recycled by Recorked UK, disposable coffee cups will be banned, and the venue will use more LED lighting as the Lewes country house builds on its green credientials which saw a wind turbine installed eight years ago.The turbine has generated more than 90 per cent of the company’s electricity and now the opera venue is making these fresh changes which it hopes will reduce waste as Glyndebourne works towards sending zero waste to landfill.

More than 50,000 non-recyclable coffee cups and corks, which do not break down at landfill sites, were used at the venue every year before the changes.

Eco-friendly changes are taking place backstage too; 236 back of house lights were swapped for more efficient alternatives and the makeup department uses biodegradable face wipes.

Glyndebourne’s efforts towards a more green opera experience earned the venue an improvement prize at the 2018 Creative Green Awards.

Changes have also been made to reduce energy consumption at the venue including modifying air conditioning, replacing car park lights, measures to tackle food waste and installing light sensors and timers.

Other long-standing initiatives include improved recycling facilities, on-site electric car charging for staff and visitors, and a free coach service from Lewes to encourage audiences to travel by train.

More information about Glyndebourne can be found at its website.