The Broadway Green Alliance (BGA)

The Broadway Green Alliance (BGA) is an industry-wide initiative that aims to implement sustainable practices on Broadway and beyond. Founded in 2008, BGA works in partnership with the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) to address environmental impacts associated with the theater industry. Its mission is to educate, motivate, and inspire the Broadway community and its patrons to adopt more environmentally friendly practices, reducing the overall carbon footprint of theater production.

Actions Taken by the Broadway Green Alliance

  1. Energy Efficiency Improvements:
    • BGA promotes the use of energy-efficient lighting, including the transition to LED lights. The organization provides resources and support for theaters to upgrade their lighting systems, which significantly reduces energy consumption and costs.
  2. Recycling Programs:
    • The BGA has established comprehensive recycling programs for materials such as sets, costumes, and props. They work to ensure that these items are reused or recycled instead of being sent to landfills.
  3. Green Captains Program:
    • Each Broadway show appoints a Green Captain, a volunteer who acts as the liaison between the BGA and the production. These Green Captains are responsible for implementing and promoting sustainable practices within their shows.
  4. Educational Initiatives:
    • BGA conducts workshops, seminars, and provides resources on sustainable practices to educate the Broadway community. They also work on increasing awareness among audiences through various outreach programs.
  5. Eco-Friendly Products:
    • Encourages the use of environmentally friendly products in theater productions, including non-toxic paints, sustainable fabrics, and eco-friendly cleaning products.
  6. Carbon Offsetting:
    • BGA promotes carbon offset programs to counterbalance the carbon emissions produced by theater productions. They encourage theaters and production companies to invest in renewable energy projects and other carbon offset initiatives.

Results and Impact

Energy Savings:

  • The transition to LED lighting has resulted in significant energy savings. For example, the switch to LEDs at the Gershwin Theatre, home of the musical "Wicked," has saved an estimated 700,000 kWh of electricity annually, equating to a reduction of approximately 700 tons of CO2 emissions per year.

Recycling and Waste Reduction:

  • The BGA has facilitated the recycling of thousands of pounds of materials each year. During the 2018-2019 season, the organization helped divert over 30,000 pounds of materials from landfills through recycling and repurposing efforts.

Green Captain Program:

  • The Green Captains have been instrumental in spreading sustainable practices across productions. As of 2023, over 200 productions had appointed Green Captains, leading to more widespread adoption of green practices across Broadway.

Audience Engagement:

  • BGA's outreach efforts have successfully engaged millions of theatergoers in sustainability initiatives, raising awareness about the importance of environmental stewardship in the entertainment industry.

Economic Benefits

Cost Savings:

  • The implementation of energy-efficient practices, such as the transition to LED lighting, not only reduces environmental impact but also leads to significant cost savings for theaters. For instance, the annual savings from reduced energy consumption can run into tens of thousands of dollars for a single theater.

Job Creation:

  • The shift towards sustainable practices has spurred job creation in areas such as energy efficiency retrofitting, recycling management, and sustainable product manufacturing. This has provided new employment opportunities within the entertainment industry and its supply chains.

Enhanced Brand Image:

  • The commitment to sustainability enhances the brand image of Broadway shows and theaters, attracting environmentally conscious audiences and sponsors. This can lead to increased ticket sales and sponsorship deals, providing a financial boost to the industry.

Long-Term Viability:

  • By adopting sustainable practices, the Broadway industry ensures its long-term viability. Reducing environmental impact helps mitigate the risks associated with climate change, ensuring that Broadway can continue to thrive in a changing world.

Statistical Information

  • Energy Savings: LED lighting in theaters has reduced electricity usage by up to 70%.
  • Waste Diversion: Over 30,000 pounds of waste diverted from landfills annually.
  • CO2 Reduction: Approximately 700 tons of CO2 emissions reduced annually from a single theater's lighting change.
  • Participation: More than 200 productions have appointed Green Captains to implement sustainability initiatives.
  • Cost Savings: Energy-efficient practices can save theaters tens of thousands of dollars annually.

Conclusion

The Broadway Green Alliance has made significant strides in promoting sustainability within the Broadway community. Through various initiatives focused on energy efficiency, waste reduction, education, and outreach, BGA has not only reduced the environmental impact of theater productions but also demonstrated the economic benefits of adopting sustainable practices. By continuing to innovate and lead in this area, BGA ensures that Broadway remains a beacon of cultural and environmental stewardship.