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The climate crisis is one of the greatest challenges of our time, and the choices we make today will shape the world of tomorrow. At the MAC, we recognise our responsibility to understand and mitigate our environmental impact.
From behind the scenes to the creative spotlights, we're committed to innovating how we work and making climate-conscious choices to shape a more sustainable future. By placing sustainability at the heart of our practices, we're walking the walk to create a space that honours our planet, our people, and our community. We still have more work to do, but we're dedicated to learning and adapting as we progress in our green journey – each step bringing us closer to lasting change.
Built in 2012, the MAC features a modern and energy-efficient design, but we're not content to sit back when we can do more. We're constantly searching for ways to make our venue a more eco-conscious space.
Our Energy Monitoring System tracks our energy use in real time – flagging waste and measuring energy-saving upgrades. This helps us optimise our consumption so we can do what we do more sustainably.
In our mission to shrink our carbon footprint, we're rolling out solar panels, slashing CO₂ emissions by 12,000 kg a year and supporting the NI Climate Act. They may not power all our energy needs, but it's a major step toward a net-zero future!
Got a green thumb? We sure do! Introducing living walls and a planting initiative, we're bringing a splash of nature to the MAC and making a greener space for everyone to enjoy.
Production has a vital role in the creative process, but it's also an area where waste and costs can add up.
From energy-efficient methods to reusing materials, we're setting the stage with sustainable production choices. Our Technical Specifications outline our commitment to greener productions and encourage visiting artists and companies to follow suit – using our sustainability guidelines, equipment and expertise. For any in-house productions, we play by the Theatre Green Book, cutting waste in materials, energy, and time.
Our other actions:
Smart waste management is in our sustainability game plan, helping us reduce our environmental impact and embrace circular solutions.
We partner with RiverRidge Recycling, who champion a zero waste to landfill strategy. Their state-of-the-art facilities sort materials for recycling, transform food waste into renewable gas and use leftover waste for biomass energy, which generates heat and electricity.
Food waste can be a challenge in our corporate catering and CaféBar – from overproduction to unpredictable demand. But while we can't control every factor, we're taking steps to make a change with a waste not, want not attitude. We track daily food surplus to see where we can do better, and encourage guests to take home leftovers. We're also proud to partner with a local homeless shelter, donating extra food to help feed those in need.
Single-use plastic has been shown the door with a switch to reusable cups for our shows and events. Just sip and return, we'll reuse and repeat. This initiative is part of a city-wide pilot scheme to remove 2 million single-use plastic cups and cut 40 tons of plastic waste each year – making Belfast greener, one cup at a time.
Small swaps can have a big impact! Bring your own reusable cup and enjoy 30p off a cuppa at the CaféBar. We cut waste, and you get a discount – a brew-tiful deal!
We believe the arts can inspire us to imagine a better future together.
In 2025-26, we're exploring 'Climate in Action' as our organisational focus. We're bringing artists and audiences together to confront the climate emergency, with experiences designed to challenge, provoke, and inspire. Through our Visual Arts programme, Live Events and Creative Learning activities, we support visionary ideas that reflect and respond to today's world and urgent environmental issues.
In June 2023, we proudly achieved the bronze-level Green Tourism Award, recognising our efforts in sustainability. We continue to push ourselves to reach higher sustainability standards. Our next green ambition? Silver-level credentials.
We're investing in future changemakers. Partnering with Queen's University Belfast, we welcome placement students on the MSc Leadership for Sustainable Development programme. They get hands-on experience and we gain fresh insights to shape our green practices.
Sustainability starts at home. By working with local suppliers, we're supporting our home-grown economy. This helps us build a more sustainable supply chain and reduce transport emissions.
Our Partners: SUKI Tea, Bailies Coffee Co, French Village Bakery, McAtamney's Traditional Butchers, Ewing's Belfast Fishmongers, Henderson Wholesale, North Down Group, Farmview Milk, Mac Ivors Cider, Whitewater Brewing Co.
Visit us sustainably by public transport, bike or on foot. Cycle Friendly: Secure bike storage available!
