Environmental Sustainability Practices in Music Hubs & Services

The research was motivated by the belief that music education can play a powerful role in addressing environmental challenges through both operational change and pedagogical innovation. 

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How was the research carried out? 

The research was conducted in five phases: desk-based research, an initial scoping survey, in-depth interviews, a UK-wide online questionnaire, and the gathering of good practice case studies. These methods gathered both qualitative and quantitative data from over 150 professionals. Thematic and statistical analyses were used to identify trends, challenges, and opportunities. Ethical approval was secured for all phases, and data was handled in accordance with GDPR and institutional policies. 

Give me the one sentence summary! 

UK music hubs and services and partner organisations really care about the climate crisis and environmental sustainability and are driven by youth engagement; they now need further support to meet their goals, and Music Mark are going to help. 

Give me five key points! 

1. Meaningful youth leadership and engagement in climate related projects is essential to their success: this needs support and development to be achieved across the sector. 
2. The music education sector wants to move forward, and wants practical guidance, resources and training, especially on sustainable procurement and disposal of instruments. 
3. Travel by peripatetic teaching staff is a major sustainability challenge, progress has been made because of Covid-19, but challenges like rurality make this difficult. 
4. The music education sector is constrained in making meaningful progress by structural, financial, and logistical barriers 
5. Music Mark can and will continue to help the sector to go further with their climate crisis action across the UK. We’ll do this with inclusive and useful practical resources, toolkits, training programmes and policy templates; supporting peer groups and communities of practice, and supporting hubs and services and individuals. 

“Music education has a unique role to play in fostering environmental awareness and action, but this potential will only be realised through coordinated effort and investment.”

 

Authentic or symbolic? Raising awareness or prompting action? 

There is a need to avoid tokenistic approaches and instead foster deep, critical, and context-sensitive learning and musical experiences that resonate with students’ lives and communities. 

What’s the most common form of sustainability engagement?  

Creative, environmentally-themed teaching and learning activities were the most common form of sustainability engagement in evidence. These included concerts, composition projects and the use of recycled instruments. Youth engagement was seen as vital, and many projects successfully integrated environmental themes with musical learning. Barriers included time, funding, staff capacity, and uncertainty about how to deliver meaningful content. There was strong demand for continuing professional development (CPD), shared resources, and case studies. 

Can music hubs and services really make an impact?  

Music services and hubs can make a tangible impact by integrating sustainability into their day-to-day operations and educational practices. Prioritising the repair and reuse of instruments not only reduces waste but can also teach pupils valuable lessons in resourcefulness. Environmental themes can be embedded into both teaching and performance, enriching the curriculum and inspiring students. The critical exploration of sustainable travel options and digital delivery methods may also help reduce carbon footprints while maintaining, or perhaps even enhancing, accessibility. Crucially, involving young people in decision-making processes ensures that their voices shape a more sustainable future. Building partnerships with local environmental and cultural organisations can further amplify these efforts. 

What about individual teachers? 

Individual music educators and practitioners can contribute meaningfully to sustainability through small, manageable changes in their practice. Simple actions include maintaining and repairing instruments extend their lifespan and reduce waste. Thoughtful use of digital tools might enhance learning while minimising environmental impact. Educators can also weave environmental themes into their lessons, sparking curiosity and awareness among students. Sharing ideas with peers and supporting youth voice in sustainability conversations helps build a collaborative and forward-thinking community. 

What about Music Mark?  

Music Mark’s strength lies in convening the sector, fostering collaboration, and sharing ideas.  

There are various opportunities for Music Mark to continue its role in: 

• Connecting the sector through collaboration and peer learning. 

• Supporting services with practical, adaptable tools and resources  

• Influencing policy and funding to enable sustainable practices. 

• Championing a flexible approach that respects diverse local priorities and capacities. 

“Music Mark is well-positioned to: support the sector with practical tools, training and signposting; connect services and individuals to share ideas and good practice; influence policy and funding conversations to ensure sustainability is resourced; and champion inclusive, context-sensitive approaches to environmental responsibility.”