Embedding sustainability into music organisations
17th September 2025
As part of our ‘This Is Not A Rehearsal’ campaign, Music Mark commissioned a research project to assess environmental sustainability within UK music services, education hubs and partner organisations. Undertaken by UCL’s Department of Culture, Communication and Media, the report highlighted a range of fantastic work taking place across the music education sector to make sustainable changes. The following case studies from Merton Music Foundation, Hounslow Music Service, and Normans Musical Instruments, demonstrate some of the different approaches music organisations can take to embed sustainability into their work.
Merton Music Foundation’s Sustainability Strategy
Merton Music Foundation’s Youth Council
Merton Music Foundation’s first ever sustainability strategy was created in partnership with its Youth Council – a group of 13 young people aged 12-18 who attend MMF activities. Recognising that young people will be most affected by climate change, MMF invited the council to take the lead in shaping the organisation’s environmental priorities.
The strategy was developed through open discussion, with council members identifying practical and ambitious actions – from reducing paper usage and cutting plastic at events to using local suppliers and prioritising further partnership with sustainable organisations. These ideas were shaped into a clear action plan, with responsibilities shared between MMF staff and Council members.
Once finalised, the Youth Council presented the strategy to MMF’s Board of Trustees, who approved a dedicated budget to help bring their plans to life. The result is a live, evolving document that reflects the values of the young people MMF serves – and holds the organisation accountable through their lens, helping to embed a culture of environmental responsibility across all areas of MMF’s work.
Merton Music Foundation’s sustainability strategy, together with more information on the work of its Youth Council, can be found here: https://mmf.org.uk/youthcouncil/
With thanks to Merton Music Foundation
Hounslow Music Centre
Hounslow Music Centre
In 2016, Hounslow Music Service, which had been part of the London Borough of Hounslow since 1980, became a charity. Part of the agreement was that the Council would build a state-of-the-art music centre for the service to help secure its future.
The Music Service management team was heavily involved in the planning and design process, working closely with architects and planners to ensure the new building met their specific needs. This involvement not only included decisions about the Centre’s layout, design and sound insulation, but also its energy efficiency and sustainability features. The construction process itself also focused on environmental sustainability. Local suppliers were prioritised to reduce transportation emissions and support the local economy.
The building was constructed to high BREEAM standards (The BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) standards are recognized globally for setting benchmarks for the environmental performance of buildings). Design features include provisions for natural light, with polycarbonate canopies allowing daylight into the entrance area, reducing the need for artificial lighting. The flat roof’s single ply membrane system provides excellent insulation, helping to reduce energy consumption. The Centre also has excellent air exchange credentials, which contribute to a healthy indoor environment and energy efficiency.
The use of recycled materials is another key sustainability feature, and the Centre utilises repurposed archive storage systems from Hounslow Council for its library and instrument storage room.
The building achieved a ‘B’ grade in its 2023 Energy Performance Certification process, putting it within the top 9% of public building efficiency ratings within England and Wales1.
With thanks to Hounslow Music Service
Normans Musical Instruments – Advancing Sustainability Through Partnership with SBEN
Normans’ efforts have been recognised with a Highly Commended Award from SBEN
Normans Musical Instruments has made significant progress on its sustainability journey through partnership with the Staffordshire Business and Environment Network (SBEN). Initial funding from SBEN enabled two team members to complete Carbon Literacy training, which served as a catalyst for embedding environmental awareness across the organisation. This training has since expanded internally, with over half the team now certified, and Normans recently achieving Bronze Carbon Literate Organisation status.
SBEN also funded a comprehensive green energy assessment of Normans’ premises and supported the transition to energy-efficient LED lighting and infrared heating with motion sensors. These improvements have contributed to a measurable reduction in the company’s energy consumption and carbon footprint.
Operational changes include a shift to recyclable and plastic-free packaging, 100% renewable energy supply, greener banking and partnering with climate conscious logistics partners. They are also working with Positive Planet to measure the environmental impact of their business and develop a carbon reduction plan.
Normans’ efforts have been recognised with a Highly Commended Award from SBEN and shared at key industry events such as the Music Mark conference. This case highlights the role that local partnerships and practical training can play in supporting sustainability within the music education sector.
https://www.normans.co.uk/sustainability
https://sben.co.uk/funded-support/
With thanks to Normans Musical Instruments
Don’t forget to visit the This Is Not A Rehearsal webpage to explore more news, training & events, resources and research to support you on your sustainability journey.
