© Anna-Maria Löffelberger

Eco label

 

The Salzburg State Theatre has made it its mission not only to serve as the largest cultural institution in the city and province of Salzburg, but also to place sustainability at the center of its work. This commitment extends beyond environmental protection and economic responsibility — it includes social and cultural sustainability as well. All four pillars are to be equally strong and closely interconnected. The Salzburg State Theatre is the first theatre in Austria to be certified for sustainability in both musical and spoken theatre.

Sustainability measures are constantly evolving, with all theatre departments engaged.
The goal is not only action, but also greater awareness—among both staff and audiences—for sustainability in everyday life.

Employees receive regular updates on energy-saving practices through guidelines and a newsletter—and are invited to share their own suggestions. Similar initiatives have been implemented for audiences, such as ride-sharing options and the promotion of public transport to attend performances.

Various efficiency and sustainability measures have been implemented throughout the theatre buildings. Both audience and stage lighting were converted to energy-saving LED fixtures as part of the renovation concept. Water-saving taps have been introduced, and drink dispensers at all locations now serve beverages in glass bottles. In response to the pandemic, disposable gloves for audience services were replaced with reusable cotton gloves—amounting to 18,000 pairs per season. All departments and workshops carefully choose environmentally friendly materials, such as paints, varnishes, and adhesives. A well-organized waste sorting system helps reduce environmental impact, and staff are actively encouraged to avoid generating waste. Cleaning is done exclusively with biodegradable products.

All standard work materials, including those for stage and costume design, are retained and reused either on-site or externally.
Moreover, the theatre’s building control system has been completely converted to energy-efficient operation modes.