In November, we held an insightful Academy webinar focusing on a topic of increasing importance for the music and arts education sector: sustainability. Led by Emil Depka-Busch from CleverSustain, we explored what sustainability means for our industry and discussed practical strategies for music and art schools to adopt.
Emil began by challenging the common view that sustainability only concerns the environment. Instead, he highlighted the triple bottom line approach: People, Planet, and Profit. For true sustainability, we must balance social, environmental, and economic factors, ensuring each aspect is equally addressed. Emil believes that, if executed correctly, this approach will not only create balance but also elevate all three areas, ultimately leading to greater overall growth.
Emil believes that, if executed correctly, this approach will not only create balance but also elevate all three areas, ultimately leading to greater overall growth.
Emil provided compelling examples of how organizations are innovating in resource use:
• The Royal Theatre in Denmark now repurposes old costumes, reducing waste and creating job opportunities in the process.
• For music schools, choosing sustainable instruments and exploring second-hand options can effectively lower environmental impact while maintaining high quality.
• Instead of constructing new buildings, schools can focus on repurposing existing facilities, as seen in successful projects in Norway.
• Events that spotlight the theme of sustainability
Emil underscored the role of digital tools in supporting sustainable practices:
• Digital platforms like SpeedAdmin can cut down on travel and paper usage, streamlining administrative tasks and reducing the carbon footprint.
• Leveraging AI and data analytics allows schools to optimize energy use, scheduling, and resource management, leading to both cost savings and a reduced environmental impact. This not only decreases waste but also aligns with younger generations' preferences for digital solutions.
Emil emphasized that sustainability is an ongoing journey, not a one-time initiative. He encouraged schools to begin with small, actionable changes, and in a quick workshop with the participants, we’ve already sparked some great ideas, such as:
• Invest in durable, repairable instruments to extend their useful life.
• Optimize travel and lesson schedules to reduce unnecessary commuting.
• Cultivate a sustainability mindset by involving students and staff in brainstorming and implementing eco-friendly solutions.
Educators have a unique opportunity to shape how young people view sustainability. By including sustainability topics in the curriculum and encouraging creative problem-solving, music and art schools can empower students to become proactive advocates for a greener future. Since sustainability is especially important to young people, we engage with them at their level, providing space, understanding, and support. This approach not only enhances their well-being but also helps alleviate their concerns by empowering them to take meaningful action.
As Emil noted, the path to sustainability starts with small, deliberate steps. We urge all music and art schools to take a moment to assess their practices and pinpoint areas for improvement. Remember, every action matters, and together we can drive meaningful change.
If you missed the webinar or want to revisit Emil’s inspiring talk, here a link to the full recording.
Let’s take action together — one step at a time towards a greener future for music and arts education! 🌱🎶