INDUSTRY: Arts, Entertainment, Recreation, Leisure and Tourism

Diversity and inclusion

In the arts, entertainment and recreation industry, diversity in ownership, governance and employment practices are important elements to ensuring an inclusive and representative media and cultural environment. This extends to internal functions – such as hiring practices and content creation – as well as to external categories – such as ownership and editorial independence. Firms must be aware of maintaining broad political perspectives, and encourage socioeconomic, gender, racial and ethnic diversity through both external and internal practices.

Waste management and use of materials

From discarded costumes and props to litter left by audiences and energy-guzzling sets, the arts, entertainment, and recreation industry creates a hefty environmental footprint. Embracing sustainable practices in materials, production, and waste management choices isn’t just an ethical imperative, it’s a strategic one. Minimising waste saves money, reduces environmental impact, and aligns with the growing demand for responsible entertainment.

Energy management

Organisations operating in the leisure, tourism and recreation industries frequently manage extensive indoor and outdoor amenities that can result in substantial energy consumption. The majority of the sector relies on commercially procured electricity, leading to indirect emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) that contribute to climate change. To curb both operational costs and environmental footprints, organisations within the industry should look to adopt optimal energy management strategies and transition to renewable energy providers in order to align with growing public sentiment around sustainability and climate change issues.

Health and safety

Prioritising health and safety within the arts, entertainment and recreation sectors is both a legal obligation and a fundamental pillar of sustainability. Leisure and recreation facilities, such as swimming pools, theme parks, ice rinks or climbing walls, often present low-probability but high-stakes safety concerns for organisations operating in the sector, emphasising the need for stringent safety standards to minimise reputational damage, regulatory fines, and costs from legal action. When audiences and employees feel secure and protected, they can fully engage and thrive, contributing to a vibrant atmosphere and positive experience for all. Visitors and employees may face injuries if facilities and equipment are not properly maintained or if inadequate precautions and training procedures are in place. Unsafe environments not only jeopardise well-being but also lead to potential injuries, legal repercussions, and reputational damage, hindering sustainable growth and impacting the sector’s social licence to operate. Mitigation measures including risk assessments, regular facility maintenance, emergency response planning, and visitor education and communication are essential in order to ensure customer and employee safety.

Business and audience travel emissions

Travel within this sector poses a major sustainability challenge. From touring artists and production teams to audience travel, the carbon footprint of these journeys can cast a long shadow. Addressing this requires strategic thinking. Optimising logistics for artists and crew, supporting local talent where possible, and encouraging eco-friendly audience travel through incentives for public transport or carpooling can all contribute.

Community engagement

While the mutual benefits between local communities and organisations in the leisure and tourism sectors can be great, ensuring activities and services do not infringe on cultural values or disrespect local communities is imperative. Over-tourism, leisure activities and recreational pursuits can damage ecosystems, strain natural resources, and degrade delicate attractions, putting community relationships at risk. Organisations should look to work alongside local authorities and communities to ensure adequate engagement and consultation. Embedding cultural respect into service offerings is one solution, such as via a zero-tolerance policy on single-use plastics, or through providing information packs on cultural norms to facilitate suitable tourist engagement.

Climate change risk assessment

Climate change risk assessment is a critical sustainability concern for organisations in the leisure and tourism sector due to the sector’s inherent dependence on environmental conditions. As climate change accelerates, it poses an array of challenges such as extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and shifts in temperature patterns, all of which can significantly impact destinations, infrastructure, and operations within the industry. The leisure and tourism sector relies heavily on natural resources, pristine landscapes, and stable weather conditions to attract visitors. Understanding and mitigating climate-related risks is therefore paramount for organisations in order to safeguard their assets, maintain the appeal of tourist destinations, and ensure the long-term viability of their businesses. Proactively addressing climate change also aligns with growing consumer expectations for sustainable practices, making it a strategic move for maintaining market competitiveness and resilience.

Responsible messaging

The arts, entertainment and recreation sectors have immense power to shape our collective worldview and influence our choices. In this sense, responsible messaging becomes a crucial sustainability consideration. By consciously crafting narratives that promote environmental awareness, social justice, and ethical consumption, organisations in the arts, entertainment and recreation sectors can nudge audiences towards more sustainable lifestyles and inspire positive change.

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