29 August 2008 - Neptune Theatre is getting Greener

Atlantic Canada’s largest professional theatre, Neptune has long been a leader in Halifax’s arts and culture community. But what many do not know is that Neptune is working hard to become a leader in good environmental stewardship. To accomplish this, the entire Neptune staff has met regularly since 2006 to discuss practical and innovative ways to reduce the theatre’s carbon footprint and over this time period Neptune has adopted and implemented several new environmental practices.

We think environmental sustainability is an important responsibility of every organization to its community,” says Neptune Theatre General Manager Doreen Malone.  “We are pleased with the progress we have made towards this goal without negatively impacting any area of the theatre’s operations.  Indeed, several of the initiatives resulted in significant cost savings which we intend to use to further enhance theatre productions.”

For example, through better monitoring and control of electricity Neptune was able to reduce its electricity consumption by 200,000 kWh over a two year period - enough to heat 17 homes.  This was achieved without any significant retrofitting through better management and control by Neptune staff.  Nova Scotia Power was asked to review Neptune’s energy management practices a year ago and praised the initiatives undertaken to save electricity consumption.

This summer, Neptune converted from oil to natural gas to heat the theatre.  A much cleaner-burning fuel than oil, natural gas will not only reduce the theatre’s carbon emissions but will also cut down on heating costs.  Heritage Gas is supplying natural gas to Neptune Theatre and the President of Heritage Gas, Ray Ritcey had this to say:

“We are pleased that Neptune has recognized and embraced the benefits of natural gas.  Natural gas is a made in Nova Scotia solution to improving air quality and protecting the environment.  It is also offers substantial economic benefits to residences and businesses throughout HRM.  We applaud Neptune’s decision and look forward to working with other HRM businesses and institutions.”

This fall, Neptune will introduce print-at-home tickets so patrons can download and print their tickets at home. This is expected to save patrons fuel and transportation costs associated with having their tickets mailed to them or making a special trip to the theatre to pick them up. Also, the paper used to print the tickets at home is generally recyclable whereas conventional ticket stock is not.

Neptune is also very proud to report that over 90 per cent of its employees take public transit or walk to work and that the other 10 per cent who must drive usually carpool.   Neptune also encourages its patrons, whenever possible, to walk, hop on the ferry or take the bus to performances. To foster this even more, Neptune has just struck a partnership with Metro Transit to provide every subscriber with two complimentary transit passes.  With bus stops located on the Sackville and Barrington Street sides of the theatre, it is easy to use public transit to get to Neptune.  While not only good for the environment, this will also enable patrons to enjoy an extra beverage after the show and not worry about the drive home.

Neptune is continuing to work to reduce its carbon footprint and welcomes additional ideas on how to do so.  Suggestions can be emailed to info@neptunetheatre.com.

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Media Contact: Mark Laventure
(902) 494-8465
mlaventure@neptunetheatre.com