Depot has been awarded the Highest Achievement for Commitment prize at the national Creative Green Awards 2020, which recognise and honour the achievements of the creative community taking action on climate change.
Depot won the prestigious award ahead of internationally recognised arts organisations including Lyric Hammersmith, Sadler’s Wells and the Almeida Theatre.
In accepting the award, Depot green ambassador Natasha Padbury said: “Sustainability really is in our DNA at Depot, so it’s great to see this being recognised and celebrated within the creative sector. Thanks to Julie’s Bicycle, Creative Green has helped us to channel our commitment into an ambitious framework of action. We will continue to focus everything we do to ensure we are a low carbon, inclusive and thriving asset to both our local community and the planet.”
The awards ceremony was held online due to the current Covid restrictions. Natasha continued: “This award brings positive news at an extremely challenging time, particularly for arts organisations. It’s essential that a Covid recovery is also a just, green recovery and so we’re extremely proud to be part of such a dedicated culture shift for a better future.”
Cllr Adrian Ross, Chair of Lewes District Council, said: “Our heartfelt congratulations to all the team at the Depot on this fantastic and much-deserved accolade. Since opening in 2017, Depot has become a real focal point for the Lewes District, with its varied programme of film screenings, special events and its fabulous restaurant and garden. It’s clear that Depot prioritises sustainability, which is evident in their investment in green infrastructure, regular environmental
The annual awards recognise cultural organisations and events which are embedding environmental sustainability. They are organised by Julie’s Bicycle, a London based charity that supports the creative community to act on climate change and environmental sustainability.
Creative Green is a Julie’s Bicycle programme that helps organisations scope, understand, prioritise and advocate environmentally sustainable practices. The Creative Green certification scheme enables organisations to begin their sustainability journey to demonstrate best practice and leadership. The certification is a framework for sustainability action. With over 400 certificates awarded since its launch in 2009, Creative Green remains the only environmental certification designed specifically for the creative and cultural sectors. In July this year, Depot achieved four out of five stars in its first environmental audit for its highly regarded sustainability programme.
The awards are sponsored by the pioneering clean energy company Good Energy and net-positive printing company Seacourt.