3 Sound and AV The environmental impacts of sound and audiovisual systems include the energy required to power and transport them as well as the embodied impacts of the materials and processes used to make the equipment. Advances in technology have meant that PAs and other AV equipment such as projectors have increased in output while diminishing in size, weight and energy requirements, thereby reducing energy consumption and transport requirements. However, good planning can still make all the difference to your environmental footprint.
PRE-PRODUCTION Action Set sustainability commitments and targets for the show’s sound and AV. Sit down with the production manager to go through the production’s environmental policy and set measurable objectives for reducing the impacts from sound and AV.
Key Starting Points Basic practices to start embedding environmental sustainability into your decision-making. Industry Good Practice Pushing it a bit further; impact reducing initiatives that will raise you just above the norm. Leading Ideas Stuff to shout about; the ideas and practices that are beginning to fundamentally change the way we make theatre.
Communicate to all technicians that you want show power demand to be minimised and equipment used efficiently in set-up and rehearsals. Set a wattage limit for sound and AV equipment to encourage low energy designs and decisions. Find out what equipment the venue has in-house and prioritise this over hiring equipment. If you need to hire, find a local supplier and combine deliveries to reduce transport emissions. Ask your supplier about what low energy products they offer, and whether they have an environmental policy for their business. Switch from analogue to digital sound desks. Use low-wattage and energy efficient products e.g. Harman Crown XLS, Dobson Sounds pulse-width modulation systems. Design intelligently for the space, making use of natural acoustics and using the most energy efficient equipment available to achieve the desired effect.
Case study Funktion-One The Funktion-One is a patented, highly efficient, horn loaded loudspeaker system that produces four times more output than comparable products. It is an example of an emerging demand for more efficient and sustainable kit. www.funktion-one.com
sustainable production guide – Measure and manage your carbon emissions
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