ecological responsibility
For many years now, Les Brigittines has been developing a particular interest in the challenges of ecological transition. Whether it's through the shows we put on or through specific, more concrete actions, Les Brigittines is committed to upholding its values in order to help create a fairer world that is in harmony with nature and the living world.
Below is a list of our different fields of action.
Theory and pooling
Alongside the ecological impact of their activity, Les Brigittines are also looking at the wider impact of the cultural sector as a whole.
To deepen our practical understanding of the issues facing the sector and the world in general, we've decided to set up a series of brainstorming sessions with a view to defining our objectives. These moments of sharing are important, because they allow us to pool our knowledge and challenges. It is in this spirit that we continue to offer these moments of reflection to as many people as possible.
FEPA
In March 2022, at the initiative of Les Brigittines, the Théâtre National and the Théâtre de Liège, the members of FEPA (Federation of Employers in the Performing Arts) met at Les Brigittines to draw up an inventory of the cultural sector, focusing on four crucial areas of reflection: Food, Eco-design, Digitisation, Mobility and Transport. The aim was to draw up a Charter and a concrete Action Plan. A fifth theme was also added, namely Infrastructure and Energy. The Charter and Action Plan were adopted at the FEPA General Assembly held at Les Halles de Schaerbeek on 25 May 2023.
Here you can find the Charter and Action Plan, which we endorse.
Ici commencer la mer
Ici commence la mer took place from 22 to 24 February 2024 at Les Brigittines. This three-day mini-festival was also designed to encourage reflection and exchange on themes linked to the ecological transition, concerning the sector and the world around us. Through the shows Out of the Blue, by Silke Huysmans and Hannes Dereere, Marée haute by Estelle Delcambre and Sisypholia by Natacha Belova and Dorian Chavez, we intended to raise our audiences' awareness of ecological issues in a sensitive way, providing them with more diverse tools for understanding.
It was also an opportunity to bring professionals from the cultural sector around the table for a second time, for a more concrete meeting on eco-design.
This initiative enabled us to spend a whole day together thinking about ways of 'transitioning' in artistic creation. The local Brussels players present were Samen Durable and Event Change, as well as La Souplothèque, In Limbo and Magazzino.
A 'climate fresco' was also organised to give our audience a chance to familiarise themselves with the causes and consequences of the current climate crisis.
Concrete actions
Energy audits
Following discussions on the challenges of the climate crisis, Les Brigittines decided to take concrete action to reduce its ecological impact.
Two energy audits have been carried out within two facilities (Bruxeo and Greenfish commissioned by the City of Brussels). The first, carried out in 2022, showed us that the building was obviously the most energy-intensive. Secondly, our purchases of goods and services were also seen as highly polluting.
Following these audits, we decided to take concrete action, particularly in the area of catering at Les Brigittines.
Restaurant and bar
The drinks menu at Les Brigittines' bar offers drinks produced in Belgium, with low-environmental impact foods. We no longer buy from multinationals that pollute and produce unethically. As a reminder, the Coca Cola brand is world plastic production champion in 2023.[1]
We have added juices from the Pajottenland region, soft drinks from Ritchie, crisps from Superbon and also new beers from Brasserie de l'Hermitage to the drinks menu. Better-quality products, more local and better-tasting!
The next step for the bar menu is to diversify the beer selection so that we can offer beers from small Brussels breweries!
We have also decided to serve exclusively vegetarian meals to spectators and crew on every performance night. Meat dishes typically pollute 13 times more than vegetarian ones.
We now try to buy our fruit and vegetables at the Marché des Tanneurs, a local organic market just a stone’s throw from Les Brigittines. This allows us to check traceability of produce, have seasonal fruits and vegetables and support local initiatives.
Our chef prepares the dishes the same day, allowing him to minimise surpluses and adapt to the seasons.
Do check out the menu when you get the chance.
Soft mobility
Les Brigittines is located in the very heart of Brussels, at the crossroads of numerous public transport links. Metro, tram, bus and train are equidistant and all accessible on foot. Your choice of transport is very important as transport is the main source of CO2 emissions. [1]
Don't hesitate, come by bike! Thanks to the Jonction district contract, there are several bike racks scattered around Les Brigittines' buildings. Once you arrive, you can park your bike in complete safety.