Collective Architecture and ESALA selected to research net zero readiness of physical infrastructure of Scotland’s creative and cultural sector

Following an open tender process, we are pleased to share that a collaborative project team, comprising of Collective Architecture and Edinburgh School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (ESALA) have been commissioned to carry out research that will allow Creative Scotland to better understand the net zero readiness of the physical infrastructure in Scotland’s arts, screen and creative industries.

Creative Scotland has committed to a Climate Emergency and Sustainability Plan. We are using our work to ensure that Scotland’s arts, screen and creative industries make a meaningful contribution in addressing the climate emergency.

Scotland has set a target to reach net zero emissions by 2045. 2021 data confirms that transport, agriculture, business, residential and energy remain the five largest emitters of greenhouse gas emissions – this includes the emissions generated by the operation, occupancy and access to built assets in the creative and cultural sectors. 80% of the buildings that will exist in 2045 have already been built, therefore, it is key that we understand more about the net zero readiness of the buildings that Scotland’s arts, screen and creative industries organisations use.

Collective Architecture and ESALA will work with Creative Scotland staff, and stakeholders from across the arts, screen and creative industries to map this readiness. Collective Architecture are an internationally recognised firm with offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Dundee. Collective was established 26 years ago with a goal of pursuing themes of participation and sustainability in architecture. ESALA is based in the Edinburgh College of Art at the University of Edinburgh, one of the largest schools of architecture and landscape architecture in the UK.

The work will be undertaken by the project team and will be overseen by our Creative Industries and Capital Projects Officer, and Climate Emergency and Sustainability Lead working with Knowledge and Research and Screen colleagues.

The project aims to deliver:

• A comprehensive map of the physical infrastructure for Scotland’s arts, screen and creative industries for production and exhibition.
• An understanding of the net zero readiness of that physical estate.

The project team will review existing material, collect a significant amount of new data, and directly engage with those who own, work in and make use of the physical estate.

It is vital that we develop as comprehensive an understanding as possible of the scale and scope of the challenge of achieving a net zero estate in the physical infrastructure of Scotland’s arts, screen and creative industries. We are aware that the information we hold is not comprehensive – to help us to expand our knowledge, we will be seeking the input of sector partners and others within Scotland’s creative ecology, enabling us to increase this understanding and facilitating the creation of the first national mapping of Scotland’s arts, screen and creative industries infrastructure.

As part of this, we anticipate sharing a survey with the sector in the coming months to help us learn more about the infrastructure of the arts, screen and creative industries across Scotland.