Environment

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Environment

Glasgow Film is committed to ongoing action to minimise the impact of our activities on the environment. We aim to:

  • Minimise waste by evaluating operations and ensuring they are as efficient as possible.
  • Actively promote recycling both internally and amongst our customers and suppliers.
  • Meet or exceed all environmental legislation that relates to the organisation.
  • Integrate the consideration of environmental concerns and impacts into all of our decision making and activities.
  • Promote environmental awareness among our employees and encourage them to work in an environmentally responsible manner.
  • Promote efficient use of materials and resources throughout the organisation.
  • Communicate our environmental commitment to clients, customers and the public and encourage them to support it.
  • Strive to continually improve our environmental performance and minimise the social impact and damage of activities by periodically reviewing our environmental policy in light of our current and planned future activities.

All employees must ensure that they minimise their individual environmental impact.  We occupy a unique and valuable historic building, and it is the responsibility of every employee to look after both the building itself and our immediate environment.

Our Environmental Policy is reviewed annually by HR/Facilities Manager/Green Champion Caroline Rice, Chief Executive Seonaid Daly, and the Board of Trustees.  Download our Environmental Policy here.

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Tackling The Climate Emergency

As the leading independent cinema in Scotland, we recognise our responsibility to reduce our carbon emissions and deliver our activities as sustainably as possible.

The principles of environmental sustainability are embedded across our work — from programming and operations to our bar and building.

Every member of the Glasgow Film team plays their part in reducing our impact and supporting a more sustainable future for cinema.

What We Do Module

What We Do

In The Cinema

  • We have installed laser projectors in all three of our screens, reducing their power consumption by 45%.
  • We promote good waste management practices, encouraging waste minimisation, reuse and recycling throughout the building.
  • Our bathrooms include low-flush toilets and motion-sensor taps to conserve water.
  • We encourage our audiences to use public transport or active travel when visiting GFT. Find out more.
  • We regularly programme films that help raise awareness of environmental issues and provide a safe space for debate and discussion.

In The Bar

  • We’ve eliminated single-use plastics at our bar and only use sustainably sourced or compostable materials wherever possible.
  • Our takeaway cups are plastic-free, and we offer PLA straws on request, made from plant-based materials. These straws, along with our other Vegware products, are commercially compostable when processed through composting facilities, and we are working towards expanding composting opportunities.
  • Reusable GFT cups are available to buy. Customers using any reusable cup receive a discount on hot drinks.
  • We have recently reviewed the ethical credentials of the 90+ products in our bar. From now on, every product will be rigorously considered before we decide to purchase stock. We check our supplier’s credentials, ethics and locality and prioritise products that are fair-trade.
  • A group of staff from different departments have recently reviewed the ethical credentials of the 90+ products in our bar. From now on every product will be rigorously considered before we decide to stock it in our bar. We check our supplier’s credentials, ethics and locality and prioritise products that are fair-trade as often as we possibly can. 
  • We separate waste to maximise recycling opportunities and work with suppliers who prioritise reusable or returnable packaging.

Behind The Scenes

  • We actively monitor, manage and report our environmental impact, including annual carbon reporting to Creative Scotland.
  • We are reducing our overall carbon footprint by prioritising low-carbon and active travel, and minimising UK flights where viable alternatives exist.
  • We have introduced travel-related carbon budgets within key departments to support more sustainable decision-making.
  • We minimise printing by using recycled materials, defaulting to double-sided formats, and carefully tracking the volume and lifecycle of printed assets.
  • We design all materials to maximise their lifespan and reduce waste.
  • We are improving the energy efficiency of our buildings through upgrades such as full LED lighting, enhanced heating controls, and energy-efficient digital equipment including new servers and projection systems.
  • We have assessed our building performance through air leakage and thermal imaging surveys to inform future improvements.
  • We collaborate with local partners, including the Garnethill Climate Group, to support community-led environmental action.
  • As proud members of the Green Arts Charter, we are committed to continuous improvement and to working alongside other cultural organisations to reduce environmental impact.

Our Progress So Far Module

Our Progress So Far

  • Installed new on-site computer servers.
  • Installed new laser projectors for all three screens.
  • Implemented an Environmental Management System and processes (ongoing).
  • Introduced hybrid remote working for our office-based employees, reducing commutes.
  • Installed more efficient heating controls.
  • Replaced all lighting throughout our buildings with LED bulbs.
  • Conducted a survey of our building to create an Air Leakage and Thermal Imagery report.
  • Finalised plans for low-carbon heating and lighting systems and an enhanced Building Management System for the next stage of our capital project.
  • Introduced a travel-related carbon budget for key departments.

At Glasgow Film Festival:

  • We are reducing travel-related emissions, achieving a 60% decrease in CO₂ despite a 23% increase in the number of journeys.
  • We prioritise low-emission transport, with 81% of car bookings in 2025 using hybrid or electric vehicles (up from 17% in 2024), contributing to a 50% reduction in car travel emissions by 2026.
  • We are extending the life of festival materials by repurposing branding assets, with banners recycled into tote bags since 2024.
  • We work with sustainable suppliers, including Teemill for festival merchandise, supporting circular economy approaches and prioritising local businesses — 60% of suppliers are based in Glasgow.
  • We are reducing printed materials across the festival, achieving a 40% decrease and only printing where no suitable digital alternative exists; accreditation has also transitioned from physical lanyards to digital QR codes.

Future Projects Module

Future Projects

  • A lower carbon building: We are continuing to explore opportunities to reduce the carbon impact of our historic B-listed building. This includes potential future investment in a low-carbon heating system (such as an air source heat pump), solar PV, and Mechanical Heat Ventilation Recovery. Alongside this, we aim to introduce improvements to our Building Management System and targeted insulation upgrades where feasible. While a recent feasibility study highlights the potential for significant energy reduction, delivery will depend on funding, technical constraints, and heritage considerations.
  • Comfier seats: Audience feedback has been clear that more comfortable seating is a priority. We are developing options for phased seat upgrades, taking into account environmental standards, circular economy principles, and the practical constraints of installation within a wider capital programme.
  • Upgraded office windows: We are exploring improvements to the energy efficiency of our office spaces, including the potential replacement of single-glazed windows. Any changes will need to align with building constraints and available resources.
  • Circular supply chains: We are committed to strengthening partnerships with suppliers who offer take-back schemes, enabling materials to be reused, repurposed, or recycled wherever possible.

What You Can Do Module

What You Can Do

  • Bring a reusable cup or water bottle
  • Use recycling points correctly or take your waste home
  • Choose sustainable transport by walking, cycling or using public transport where possible. Click here for more information about visiting GFT.
  • When buying snacks or drinks, choose products with minimal packaging
  • Let us know your ideas or suggestions on how we can improve our environmental practices by emailing feedback@glasgowfilm.org — your voice matters!

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