Reducing the environmental impact of our work

NoFit State’s latest, groundbreaking show BAMBOO is a spectacular showcase of our commitment to make ethical strategic decisions about where and how to create, perform and engage, but what else is happening on and off the stage to demonstrate our commitment to reducing our environmental impact.

Big Top touring

Upgrading our vehicles to EURO 6 standards during 2022 and 2023 and through restructuring our transport plans we have managed to reduce our on-tour mileage by 30% without reducing the touring programme: investing in additional vehicles enabled us to significantly reduce the number of return trips for the fleet.

The site is powered by diesel generators. Historically, the generators were turned on at 8am and ran continuously until approximately mid-night. During 2023, we introduced a new smart metering system throughout the on-site electrical network to measure consumption at different times of the day and night for different areas of the site. Based on this data, for the 2024 UK tour we piloted a new on-site battery system using rented equipment. Power usage fluctuates very significantly each day as different activity is taking place. Early morning and late at night when the showers and washing machines are working at full capacity and during the performances power usage is high. At all other times power usage is relatively low.

The rented batteries introduced in 2024 were charged by the generators during periods of heavy power usage. During periods of relatively low power usage the generators were turned off and the entire site was powered by the batteries.

The pilot revealed that the introduction of the battery system reduced total fuel consumption on site by 50%. This is the equivalent of a reduction of 29,145 tonnes of CO2 a year.

Bamboo touring

Using bamboo, a grass and wholly sustainable material, in place of traditional circus equipment enabled us to create a completely renewable and sustainable show in the context of the climate emergency. Due to minimal infrastructure needs, a relatively small touring company (9 people), and use of a Viridor Project Green funded solar-powered rechargeable battery P.A. System, we were able to tour the show sustainably with the smallest environmental footprint possible.

We performed 51 performances entirely off-grid, using our solar battery system. This includes performances where we used the Festival’s PA system, but plugged into our batteries.

Solar Panel project

Since 2012, the Company has been located in a former disused church in Adamsdown, Cardiff, which was fully converted and transformed in to a community hub. After securing funding from an Arts Council of Wales Capital Grant, Cardiff Council Community Building Grant, Welsh Government Community Facilities Programme & WCVA Energy Efficiency Scheme, solar panels will be installed on the roof of our home, Four Elms in 2025. The core aim of this is to significantly reduce our carbon emissions and to move to a clean, renewable and cost-effective electricity generation free from high-risk waste products.

Installing solar panels will reduce our energy consumption in the building by an estimated 51%, thereby reducing our CO2 emissions by 3970kg a year – the annual equivalent of more than three transatlantic return flights. Moving us closer to achieving our carbon neutral goal within the next 10 years.

What’s next?

Our commitment to reducing our environmental impact is clear. We have developed a robust plan for the next four years with a four-pronged approach. We will maintain current good practice and focus on three initiatives: switching to biodiesel for site power, retrofitting Four Elms, and supporting Zukani Action Zambia. The combined impact of these three initiatives will reduce our CO2 emissions by 71 tonnes a year through a combination of reduction and offsetting. This is the equivalent of 68 transatlantic return flights (London to New York) or planting approximately 2500 trees – 4.5 acres of woodland.

Our Environmental Action Plan will also continue to monitor administration and management, staff engagement, touring and production, transport, travel and vehicles, suppliers and contractors and campaigns and certification.

Reducing the environmental impact of our work

Big Top touring

Bamboo touring

Solar Panel project

What’s next?

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