Sustainability

Our Commitment to a Sustainable Future

The global climate crisis affects the environment, the economy, and society alike. It calls for bold, collective action—and cultural institutions such as the Heidelberger Frühling play a central role in this effort: They are places of awareness, dialogue, critical inquiry, and education.

For us, sustainability doesn’t mean just climate protection. As a cultural institution, the social dimension plays an equally important role. Our responsibility toward society and the future is reflected in a variety of formats. However, we don’t want to merely reflect these issues—we want to actively shape the future—and we invite our audience, partners, and artists to join us on this journey. Even though, as a cultural institution, we are responsible for only a small portion of emissions, we feel a duty to act responsibly and to improve step by step.

Network for Sustainable Culture (MRN)

Sustainability can only be achieved through collaboration. That is why we seek dialogue and share experiences. In September 2023, we therefore joined forces with other cultural institutions to launch the “Sustainable Culture” network of the Rhine-Neckar Metropolitan Region, and since then we have been regularly exchanging ideas on a wide variety of sustainability topics.

Professional Development & Support Programs

We view sustainability as an ongoing process that requires regular review and continuous professional development. Starting in the fall of 2024, we were guided and trained by experts in this field, and after the measures developed as a result were successfully approved by an independent commission, we were awarded the “Sustainable Business 2026” certificate by the City of Heidelberg.

In addition, in 2025 we successfully participated in the “Climate Protection in Cultural Institutions” programme run by the Baden-Württemberg Climate Protection Foundation, which supported us in developing climate protection measures, reducing emissions, and embedding sustainable practices into our day-to-day operations. Go to the Project Report

Heidelberg Climate City Agreement

In 2024, the European Union awarded the city of Heidelberg the EU Mission Label “Climate-neutral and smart cities.” Heidelberg has set a goal of becoming climate-neutral by 2030. To this end, the so-called Climate City Agreement was drawn up. Heidelberger Frühling, as a municipal organization, has also co-signed this agreement and is thereby supporting the city’s community on its ambitious path toward climate neutrality.

Contact

If you have any questions or comments, please contact our sustainability officer, Lisa-Marie App, at l.app@heidelberger-fruehling.de.

The carbon footprint analysis provides an important, data-driven starting point for identifying the most effective levers for reducing CO₂ emissions and developing targeted measures. In addition to energy consumption, we focus primarily on the mobility of audiences, artists, and staff. In cooperation with the Ökoinstitut and other partners, we have already compiled two carbon footprint assessments for the 2022/23 and 2023/24 seasons.

Travel by audience members and artists, as well as our employees’ commutes, play a central role in our carbon footprints. The greenhouse gases resulting from these activities account for over 90% of all the emissions we generate. For this reason, we pay particular attention to this area when developing measures. For example, we raise awareness among our visitors about sustainable travel options through email newsletters and our website, engage in targeted discussions with artists on this topic, and contribute to the cost of the “Deutschland-Ticket” to further promote climate-friendly mobility within our team as well.

Sustainable procurement plays an important role in our day-to-day work. As a municipal corporation, we benefit from the city administration’s existing infrastructure, which allows us to quickly source sustainably produced office supplies and electronic devices. We strive to maximize product lifecycles by repairing defective items first, before purchasing new ones.

In addition, we purchase green electricity, are gradually switching to LED lighting, are optimizing our heating schedules, and are raising awareness among all employees about energy-efficient work practices.

High-quality printed materials, such as our annual program booklet or concert programs, are an important part of our event communications. We make sure to use paper bearing an eco-label and environmentally certified printing inks. In addition, print runs are always monitored and adjusted to actual demand.

At the same time, we are working to gradually reduce our overall paper consumption. We rely on a wide range of digital options, particularly when it comes to customer communication. For example, we provide our audience with important information about our events through our website, newsletters, social media, and various podcasts.

Advertising banners, roll-ups, and flags from past seasons are not thrown away but are sewn into bags and pencil cases, which are then sold to the audience or given away to artists.

For us as a cultural institution, the social dimension of sustainability plays just as important a role as the ecological one. Through socially responsible ticket pricing and a wide range of discount options, we make culture accessible to a broad audience. Initiatives such as our re:start programme provide additional impetus for cultural participation. A particular focus of the Heidelberger Frühling’s work is on supporting emerging artists: the Festivalcampus and the Heidelberger Frühling Liedakademie offer young artists valuable opportunities to develop their skills and build professional networks.