BBE launches Climate Working Group
BBE is launching a new working group to support its climate-related environmental responsibility. The group, which is now open for applications, will be made up of six independent members and supported by BBE staff, will scrutinise the organisation's work from a climate perspective. The environmental impact of all projects and programmes will be measured and actions taken to minimise them where possible. Learning from the working group will help inform resources, training and advice that will be available to the BBE membership to support their own work to become increasingly environmentally sustainable organisations.
Alex Parker, BBE Membership Development Manager, said, “The climate and our response to how it changes in the decades to come is going to affect everything in our lives and banding is no exception. We need to be aware that we might need to modify what we do as the climate changes, which could see us needing to upgrade band rooms to deal with the heat or how we warm them in the winter with low carbon heating. Funders are becoming ever more focused on the climate and how the arts can be a tool to support changes in society. This group will help ensure that bands have the tools and resources able to make that change.”
The group is officially launching today at this year's Brass in Concert Festival, which takes place two weeks before this year's COP 28 climate conference in Dubai. A launch survey is available for members of all bands across the UK to input by sharing how the climate crisis is already affecting your band. Take part in the short 12-question climate survey here.
The group's founding members, Kate Lock and Stuart Young, have already begun mapping out the aims of the group. Kate works professionally as a climate policy communicator based at Leeds University and Stuart’s architectural practice focused on green developments and building resilience for the future as well as developing climate tools and advice as part of the Sheffield Brass Network. Both will be available at the Brass Bands England trade stand at the Brass in Concert Championship to answer any questions about completing the climate survey or joining the working group.
The group is looking for BBE members from across the UK who have a strong background in environmental awareness and want to bring that experience to the benefit of banding. The group will meet four times a year and each meeting will look at BBE’s own work alongside resources for the sector. One of the spaces has been dedicated for a member under the age of 25 to ensure the next generation is represented amongst the group.
To apply to join the group please fill out the application form by Monday 11 December. Informal chats will take place with selected applicants in December, with successful applicants announced in the new year.
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