April 16, 2024 | General, Theatre,

Sustainability Efforts at Emerson College

Book of Mountains and Seas, running at the Emerson Paramount Center from April 19-21, uses ancient Chinese creation myths to shed light on contemporary society’s climate crisis. ArtsEmerson and Emerson College have both engaged in various climate pledges over the years, working together to create a more sustainable future for Boston. Before we welcome Book of Mountains and Seas to the Robert J. Orchard Stage, let’s explore some of Emerson’s current climate sustainability efforts!

Emerson College has been on a transformative journey, championing sustainability initiatives that have reshaped the campus and community. Emerson College exemplifies dedication to creating a more sustainable future by partnering with programs such as the EPA Power Partner, a federal program that works to reduce environmental impact of electricity generation by promoting renewable energy – in fact, the college now purchases enough wind energy to cover 100% of its energy needs! Emerson has achieved remarkable results in reducing waste, with campus users creating only 280 pounds of trash annually, half the average waste production per college student.

Each year, Emerson competes in the Campus Race to Zero Waste (CR2ZW), a friendly competition between colleges and universities to identify leading institutions committed to waste diversion. Through a series of events and challenges the Sustainability staff raise awareness about waste reduction and diversion on our own campus. Students and faculty come together to earn points and prizes for their participation in the program. Last year, Emerson College ranked third. This year they improved greatly, ranked first averaging 17% waste across the 8-week competition.

In the spirit of continued progress, Emerson College recently hosted a groundbreaking Teach-in on Sustainability—an immersive educational experience that brought together students, faculty, and experts to explore pressing environmental issues. The 2024 Teach-In convened a diverse array of speakers, faculty, staff, students, and alumni to delve into the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), challenging conventional notions of sustainability. As part of the event lineup, the 24-Hour Play Festival, co-produced by QTC Boston’s Artistic Director Hannah McEachern and Assistant Professor Tushar Mathew, offered a creative exploration of the SDGs through theater. Writers, directors, and producers collaborated to craft short plays encapsulating the essence of each goal within a condensed time frame. The festival also prioritized sustainability in its production process, fostering eco-friendly practices. The festival commenced with a closed-doors workshop on March 4th and culminated in a public showcase on March 5th at the Judee Theater, audiences experienced a captivating display of fast-paced, thought-provoking performances illuminating sustainability in all dimensions.

Emerson College and ArtsEmerson sustainability and climate efforts continue with the production of shows like Book of Mountains and Seas, which will begin its limited run on April 19. If you haven’t secured your seats already, be sure to do so quickly, as tickets are selling out!