Energy

Energy – And the Studio Where You Work

What are the sources of energy you use for heat, light and production?

If you work from home, or have your own work space you will have control over this. If you make
work in a communal facility such a print or sculpture workshop, then find out what kind of
monitoring they have. You may have no control over the energy used, but you can raise the issue,
and be an advocate for change.

If you have control over your space and equipment then consider the following:

• Changing energy supply to a 100% renewable energy supplier (not just a renewable tariff) is a positive way to drive change at a systemic level.
• Are you aware of the amount (kwH) energy your heat, light and processes consume? Consider the energy ratings of appliances before you purchase new equipment.
• Culture for Climate Scotland have also developed a range of free tools for the sector. The tenant energy toolkit is probably one of the most useful for individual makers/artists as it allows you to approximate utilities’ emissions based on space (and equipment) rather than requiring energy bills, which those in shared spaces often struggle with.
• Have you thought about the impact of your online activities? If you have a website, think about who hosts it for you and ask about their carbon policy. If you are thinking about starting or updating your own website, investigate the best way you can do this and be carbon neutral.
• Social media also has a carbon footprint. The more you learn about this the more you might be able to change your online habits and influence others to do the same.