Our sustainability targets

See how we’re continuing our commitment to a more sustainable Southbank Centre

We’ve made great progress in saving energy and water, and we continue to drive environmental change across our buildings and venues and in collaboration with our community.

We remain committed to reducing our impact even further across a significant breadth of all we do. Find out what we’re aiming to achieve by 2030.

Buildings and estate

Target: To achieve an 80% reduction in carbon emissions from our buildings

After surpassing our 2025 target to reduce carbon emissions from our buildings by 50% (reaching a 63% reduction), we want to continue our progress towards net zero and reach an 80% reduction by 2030, compared to our baseline. To achieve this, we will explore upgrades to the thermal efficiency of our buildings; increase efficiencies of our heating, cooling and ventilation systems; and look at alternative energy sources to remove gas heating.

Target: To reduce water consumption by 50%

By the end of 2025, we had achieved a 48.5% reduction in water consumption compared to our baseline year. Since this calculation, we have installed 56 compressed air-assisted flush toilets that reduce water consumption by 66% compared to the previous toilets. We will also continue to reduce water consumption throughout our buildings and in our artistic programme to minimise strain on water resources.

Target: For 100% of regular building maintenance suppliers to have a carbon target in line with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)

Over 50% of our top ten suppliers have carbon reduction targets, and sustainability is a key element to our tender processes when looking for new suppliers. Through procurement and engagement, we aim to ensure that our supply chain is committed to reducing carbon emissions, which in turn reduces our scope 3 footprint.

Target: Last leg of any deliveries into the Southbank Centre to be zero emission

Continuing the approach of third-party engagement, we are aiming to prioritise suppliers that offer zero-emission deliveries into the Southbank Centre to reduce scope 3 carbon emissions. We have launched our new Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology to record deliveries, enabling us to track the emissions for vehicles coming to our site.

Productions and visual arts

Target: All exhibitions and shows to be produced in line with the Southbank Centre’s Artistic Sustainability Policy

In 2026, we finalised our Artistic Sustainability Policy for internal use. This policy covers our Artistic Programming, Production and Event Management teams, with the intention of creating a consistent approach to sustainability, and allowing for cross-departmental collaboration. The aim is for all shows and exhibitions to be produced in line with this policy document by 2030.

Target: For 100% of regular suppliers to have a carbon target in line with SBTi and to be making good progress against their targets

As with our buildings and estate targets, this target aims to prioritise suppliers that will assist us with our sustainability ambitions. In this instance, the target refers to our artistic partners (such as visual arts and production teams).

Target: Last leg of any deliveries into Southbank Centre to be zero emission

We are also aiming to prioritise zero-emission deliveries into the Southbank Centre for our Artistic teams. Similarly to the above target, this relates to Artistic Programming, Production and Event Management teams.

Target: To reduce emissions from curator flights by 50% in zone 2 of the Gallery Climate Coalition’s (GCC) climate conscious travel map

We aim to reduce flight emissions from Hayward Gallery curators and wider visual arts staff members by prioritising mindful travel within GCC zone 2 (as per the GCC climate conscious map). This target applies to journeys where destinations are reachable within three to eight hours by public transport from London.

Target: For 50% of performers to travel by public transport from zone 1 and 2 countries as per the GCC climate conscious travel map

We will work closely with our artists to promote sustainable travel. For journeys under eight hours (within zones 1 and 2 of the GCC climate conscious map), we aim for at least 50% of our visiting artists to travel via public transport or electric vehicle, reducing our scope 3 emissions from shows and exhibitions.

Artwork installed on concrete outdoor building of two figures on an orange background — Nicola Tyson, Their Jumpers, 2023 (detail). © Nicola Tyson. Courtesy of the Artist; Petzel, New York; Sadie Coles HQ, London; and Nino Mier, Brussels.

Employees and visitors

Target: To reduce business travel flight emissions by 50% in zone 2 of the GCC’s climate conscious travel map

We’re encouraging our staff to reduce flights to destinations reachable within three to eight hours by public transport from London. We have introduced a line in our staff expenses policy that encourages staff members to choose the most sustainable travel option, even if it is more expensive. We are also recommending that staff plan ahead and consolidate international meetings to reduce travel emissions.

Target: To retain plastic-free status

We will continue to push plastic reduction across our operations. It became clear after setting the initial targets that the Southbank Centre would be unable to achieve accreditation due to its position as a charity. Regardless, we have ensured that we meet the criteria for accreditation, and we are exploring ways to remove the remaining single-use plastic from our operations.

Target: To have a 95% recycling rate

After achieving a 60% recycling rate in 2025, we recognise there is more work to be done to achieve our 2030 target. We are planning increasing efficiency in our Mobile Segregation Unit, increasing engagement with our retail partners and introducing training to staff.

Target: For 95% of staff to commute using active travel, public transport or EV

After achieving a 94% rate in 2025, we are aiming to increase this where possible. It’s important to note that people with access needs are exempt from this target.

Target: Achieve 10% net gain in biodiversity on-site

Our desire to rewild underutilised parts of our site continues. We are exploring ways we can introduce meaningful planting within the constraints of our site. Our approach is to plant native species that encourage habitat creation, attract pollinators and can provide an opportunity for learning and community engagement.

A concert being held at Riverside Terrace outside Royal Festival Hall with an audience in summery colthing — Victor Frankowski

Commercial partners

Target: Reach a 25% reduction in food waste from commercial tenants and our own food outlets

Minimising food waste remains a priority for us. Not only is there a cost incentive, there is an opportunity to reduce scope 3 carbon emissions from waste collections. We achieved a 16% reduction in food waste compared to our baseline, and aim to continue this progress by engaging with our commercial partners to maximise efficiency.

Target: For 100% of our commercial tenants to have a sustainability plan and to be making good progress against their targets

Currently 67% of our commercial tenants have sustainability plans in place, and sustainability remains a core principle of our tender process. We will also work with our existing partners without such plans in place to achieve this target.

Target: For 75% of our on-site restaurants to have moved away from gas

Of our on-site restaurants, 50% have moved away from gas cooking and heating, and we aim to reach 75% by 2030. This will depend on the cost associated with upgrading our power capacity as a site, and associated costs for our retail partners. However, we will work collaboratively to find a sustainable solution as we move towards a gas-free future.