London borough of culture
Climate Impact & Sustainability Data (2023)
Reporting Period: 2023
Environmental Metrics
ESG Focus Areas
- Community Engagement
- Youth Development
- Economic Development
- Social Inclusion
- Environmental Sustainability
- Accessibility
Environmental Achievements
- Numerous green initiatives supported through microgrants, including litter picks, community gardens, and nature walks.
- Wild in the City program promoted access to green spaces and trained new nature guides.
Social Achievements
- 16,275 participation opportunities for young people.
- Over 10,000 days of paid work for creatives in Croydon.
- Inclusive programming celebrating diverse communities (Caribbean, South Asian, LGBTQ+, disabled).
- Development of Queer Croydon network and Access Arts Croydon toolkit.
- Microgrant program (Croydon Loves You) supported creative wellbeing projects.
Governance Achievements
- Successful delivery of a large-scale cultural program despite significant financial challenges.
- Strong partnerships between the council, cultural sector, and community organizations.
- Development of a legacy plan to continue cultural initiatives.
Climate Goals & Targets
Long-term Goals:
- Embed culture across Croydon Council and continue partnerships with the cultural sector.
Medium-term Goals:
- Implement a three-year creative health development program.
- Support creative careers and business development through UK Shared Prosperity funding.
Short-term Goals:
- Continue Croydon Loves You microgrant program.
- Continue Young Producers program.
Environmental Challenges
- COVID-19 pandemic and significant financial challenges faced by Croydon Council.
- Reduced council team and funding.
- Competition for resources and audiences among events.
- Limited marketing and communications impact due to funding constraints.
- Challenges in ensuring inclusivity across all aspects of the program.
Mitigation Strategies
- Collaboration with Croydon's Culture Network and establishment of a steering group.
- Securing additional funding through grants and sponsorships.
- Development of new grant schemes to support broader community involvement.
- Implementation of a school strategy to engage young people.
- Focus on leveraging existing social and cultural capital.
Supply Chain Management
Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities
UN Sustainable Development Goals
- SDG 4 (Quality Education)
- SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth)
- SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities)
- SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities)
- SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals)
The program contributed to these goals through youth development, economic growth, social inclusion, environmental sustainability, and community partnerships.