The Leipzig Opera House, under the leadership of Intendant Tobias Wolff, has recently been awarded a sustainability certification. This certification signifies the opera house’s commitment to becoming more environmentally friendly and socially responsible in its operations. The certification, based on an international standard for sustainable event management (DIN ISO 20121), focuses on goals and guidelines for sustainable practices in terms of environmental, social, and economic aspects.
Intendant Tobias Wolff, who took on his role in 2022 with a vision to transform the opera house into a sustainable institution, emphasized the importance of setting realistic and achievable sustainability goals. The certification allows the opera house to define its own targets and objectives, taking into account ecological and social issues. Wolff stressed the need to balance sustainability efforts with the well-being of the staff, ensuring that sustainability initiatives do not lead to burnout among employees.
The accreditation process was carried out by the accredited certification body CEA and will need to be renewed annually. The certification, originally developed for the 2012 London Olympics and updated for the 2024 Paris Olympics, highlights the opera house’s ongoing commitment to sustainability. Prior to receiving the certification, the Leipzig Opera House had already initiated projects to improve its sustainability, such as the production of „Mary, Queen of Scots,“ which focused on reducing carbon dioxide emissions by using existing materials from the opera’s inventory.
In addition to visible changes like productions, the opera house is also making behind-the-scenes adjustments to enhance sustainability, including offering training programs and transitioning to environmentally certified paper for printed materials. These efforts demonstrate the opera house’s holistic approach to sustainability, encompassing both operational and artistic aspects.
By obtaining this sustainability certification, the Leipzig Opera House sets a precedent as the first opera house in Germany to achieve this recognition. The certification serves as a testament to the opera house’s dedication to reducing its environmental impact, managing waste effectively, and promoting sustainable practices in all areas of its operations. Through continued efforts and a commitment to sustainability, the Leipzig Opera House is paving the way for a more environmentally conscious and socially responsible cultural institution.
