ESG at CPH STAGE 

CPH STAGE approaches sustainability from a holistic perspective that includes environmental, social, and governance aspects (ESG). Through our sustainability policy, we aim to act as agents of positive change in multiple areas – before, during, and after the annual festival.

We view sustainability as an ongoing journey and are committed to improving our efforts year after year. We do not regard this merely as a matter of responsibility; we believe it is a fundamental prerequisite for our continued success.

Sustainability – Environmental

‍CPH STAGE continually develops the sustainability efforts that the festival began intensifying in 2021. Our goal is to serve as both an inspiration and a catalyst within the national and international performing arts communities. This includes initiatives related to transport, accommodation, catering, and material consumption.

The festival is committed to:

1. Printing sustainably – all printed programmes and posters are at least FSC and Nordic Swan Ecolabel certified.
2. Communicating about sustainability and providing concrete advice to the public.
3. Ensuring that staff, freelancers, and invited guests use bicycles, public transport, shared buses, or electric cars wherever possible.
4. Using only bicycles or electric cars for the festival’s own material distribution.
5. Following a “down-to-earth” travel policy, meaning that employees and others travelling on behalf of CPH STAGE must choose train or bus over air travel for journeys under ten hours.
6. Using hotels certified with the Nordic Swan Ecolabel and/or Green Key.
7. Serving only vegetarian food and snacks, focusing on organic, locally produced, and seasonal ingredients at festival and organisational events. Purchasing organic and European wine and beer, always offering alcohol-free alternatives.
8. Avoiding food waste and donating any surplus food to good causes.
9. Reducing printed materials through a comprehensive website, online festival programmes, electronic application forms, and increased use of social media, newsletters, and other digital communication.
10. Reusing marketing materials, decorations, and scenographic elements.
11. Producing merchandise designed for long-term use – for example, our tote bags are made in limited quantities from certified organic cotton and without year markings, so they can be reused.
12. Maintaining a green office policy by using digital signatures for meeting minutes and contracts, and by purchasing recycled electronics from suppliers focused on reuse and upcycling.
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Curating
The festival also works sustainably in relation to both national and international curation. We do this by focusing on extending the life of high-quality performances. Specifically, our curation follows these principles: 

1. International productions from outside Europe can only perform in Copenhagen if they are staged at least once more in the region.
2. The festival supports international companies invited to CPH STAGE in establishing sustainable touring opportunities.
3. Danish performances are revivals, ensuring longer lifespans and wider audience reach.

Sustainability – Social

Work Environment and Wellbeing
CPH STAGE strives to maintain a safe, inclusive, and positive working environment. We focus on dialogue and on addressing differing opinions across the organisation. All employees share responsibility for creating an open and supportive atmosphere where everyone feels seen and heard, and where mutual respect and a positive tone are upheld.

Festival management is responsible for ensuring proper conduct and employee wellbeing. We maintain a professional environment by supporting one another and setting boundaries where needed – for example, in cases of harsh language, sexually inappropriate comments, or unwanted attention.

The festival does not tolerate offensive behaviour, including bullying, sexism, sexual harassment, discrimination, or any conduct that negatively affects an individual employee. What constitutes offensive behaviour is subjective and depends on the person affected. Anyone experiencing harassment, bullying, or similar issues is referred to our complaints procedure.

Collaboration
‍CPH STAGE is built on collaboration, as we believe it strengthens both the organisation and the festival as a whole – internally and externally. Our collaborations are based on dialogue and mutual respect. Internally, cross-departmental cooperation is both a driving force and a necessity for the festival’s success. Everyone is expected to contribute across departments where possible.

In external collaborations, we value the unique contributions each partner can bring, regardless of size or scope. We believe that shared experience and learning foster positive development. Where possible, we aim to establish long-term partnerships that create mutual sustainability.

Equality and Diversity
CPH STAGE seeks to promote equality and diversity in both the festival’s activities and within the organisation. We curate performances and develop events that represent a broad range of genders, ethnicities, and socio-economic backgrounds.

Our goal is to ensure that as many people as possible can see themselves reflected in the theatre – because we believe this contributes to a more open and inclusive society. Our curatorial approach therefore emphasises diversity in themes, genres, and voices. Similarly, in our marketing we work for broad representation in both printed and digital materials.

Internally, we strive to create an inclusive workplace where everyone, regardless of gender or ethnicity, feels welcome. In recruitment, we aim to attract as diverse a pool of candidates as possible by recognising and addressing our own biases.

Workplace Culture – Remote Work / On-Site Presence
We place great value on being physically present in the office, as it fosters a strong working environment, a healthy flow of knowledge, and cross-organisational collaboration. The festival prioritises that employees spend most of their working hours on-site, as this synergy contributes to a more sustainable work culture.

At the same time, we recognise that a sustainable working life may also include limited remote work.
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Sustainability – Governance

CPH STAGE aims for its leadership to embrace a holistic understanding of management. A focus on purpose, culture, values, and employee development is essential to the organisation’s long-term resilience and performance – in harmony with the surrounding society.

The leadership team acts as agents and catalysts for sustainable change within the organisation. Our goal is to equip leaders to meet the growing expectations of integrating sustainability into their management approach.

We support our leaders by:

1. Providing opportunities to gain knowledge and skills in sustainable management – environmentally, socially, and organisationally.
2. Helping them develop their leadership in alignment with both personal values and organisational goals.
3. Offering continuing education and peer support spaces for leaders.
4. Ensuring satisfaction with training opportunities and alignment with competency needs.