HOME - Leading change through action, advocacy and accountability

HOME is a place for people to discover new art, new experiences and new stories from Manchester and across the world. From bees, bikes and building management to campaigns, collaborations and Carbon Literacy, environmental responsibility is evident throughout HOME’s activities.

“For over ten years we have been committed to meaningful practical action and policy to reduce our environmental and carbon impacts. Through learning and creativity we inspire change, and through partnerships we advance collaboration and accountability in our sector, our city and beyond. We are really proud of what we’ve done. Our journey continues with urgency, and we have people and planet embedded at the heart of what we do.”

Debbie Bell, Building & Environmental Manager, HOME

The journey so far

HOME started life as Cornerhouse, a space for independent cinema, visual art, food and drink on Manchester’s Oxford Road. This is where the foundations of the organisation’s environmental commitment were laid. By 2013, Cornerhouse had established a green group, achieved zero waste-to-landfill, started sourcing sustainable materials, secured pool bikes for staff to move around the city and produced The Life of a Paper Cup, a short film to raise awareness about waste. As a founding member of MAST, Cornerhouse recognised the value of peer support and exchange.

HOME was formed through the merger of Cornerhouse and the Library Theatre Company. 2015 saw the move to a new purpose-built multi-arts venue on the site of an old gas works, housing a cinema, theatre, event and exhibition spaces, rehearsal rooms, a shop, bars and restaurant all under one roof. The building was awarded a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ rating for its environmental design features, from the use of natural lighting to the low-carbon combined heat and power plant.

Since opening, HOME has worked to use the building management system to monitor and manage energy use and to reduce energy use e.g. by increasing the use of LED-lighting. In 2018 HOME joined the Spotlight programme, part of Arts Council England’s Environmental Programme, and, with support from Julie’s Bicycle is continuing to improve energy monitoring and management. In 2020, with the launch of a new animation, they announced a 50% emissions reduction target by 2025 in alignment with Manchester’s science-based targets.

Engaging and training

From 2019’s Green June Takeover to 2020’s Earth Day Instagram Live in Lockdown, sustainability is an integral part of HOME audience and external communications.

Carbon Literacy training is at the heart of HOME’s staff engagement and training strategy. Through developing and piloting a sector-specific learning package for MAST, HOME recognised the benefits of in-house learning and, in 2017, became the world’s first arts venue to train 100% of its workforce in Carbon Literacy, with a further commitment to train all new starters within their first six months. Creating a ‘live’ plan based on staff pledges made during training, aligned strategy, policy and learning to create a team both accountable for their actions and empowered to drive change.

Carbon Literacy training at HOME - Image: Philip Kennedy

In 2019, as a Carbon Literate Training Organisation with two certified trainers, HOME delivered two Carbon Literacy sessions for sector and city representatives from the five cities Manchester partnered with through C-Change. They went on to develop and deliver sector-specific training in their cities.

During 2020’s lockdown, HOME developed their in-person workshops into online learning, and continued to deliver training regionally and nationally. Contributing to cultural partnerships and bilateral cooperation between the cities of Manchester, Aarhus and Aalborg, HOME delivered pilot training for arts organisations and city representatives in Aarhus, Denmark. In January 2021, HOME, on behalf of MAST, delivered training for 87 people from 40 organisations across all ten Greater Manchester boroughs, followed up by an evaluation report.

Collaboration and partnerships

HOME has long recognised the value of collective responsibility and the power of collaboration. A long-standing partnership with Transport for Greater Manchester Sustainable Journeys advocates for clean air, low carbon and active travel opportunities for the benefit of all. As a member of Oxford Road Corridor networks and engaged with Manchester’s Zero Carbon Framework, HOME actively contributes to the city region’s net zero initiatives. In 2018, HOME established Sustainability 1st, a cross-sector forum of tenants, neighbouring businesses and site management on First Street - where HOME is located - to share best practice relating to Manchester’s zero carbon strategies.

In 2019, HOME joined Julie’s Bicycle’s Creative Green community, achieving a 4star certification and Green Champion award for Debbie Bell, HOME’s Building and Environmental Manager.

Debbie Bell, HOME’s Building and Environmental Manager (front row, second from right) with her Green Champion Award at Julie’s Bicycle’s Creative Green Awards 2019

In spring 2021, HOME announced its first ever sustainability sponsorship, a partnership used to fund ongoing environmental initiatives including programming and travel schemes.

People and planet

HOME continues to explore ways to respond to the climate crisis through meaningful action. Programmers seek out voices and stories from the global community, and engage artists, producers and creatives in climate conversations. Engaging with suppliers in a sustainable procurement project in collaboration with the Business Growth Hub enabled greater understanding and a more consistent approach across suppliers.

From HOME’s reusable plastic cups to the live beecam on the rooftop beehives – HOME’s employees, contractors, audiences, visitors, peers etc. can see environmental commitment in action.

Future 20, a creative residency for young people, resulted in Last Place on Earth, an online world that spoke of climate collapse and a series of green living workshops. Homeground, HOME’s summer outdoor site in 2021, was designed and constructed using salvaged items including retired Blackpool Illuminations. A just green recovery is at the forefront as HOME moves into a new phase of planning, with people and planet taking centre stage.