BEST PRACTICES
ENSEMBLE MODERN – Zertifikat Ökolabel
Kathrin Schulze from Ensemble Modern, based in Frankfurt, presented insights into the EcoProfit management system (Zertifikat Ökolabel), an environmental management approach that supports companies and organizations in integrating ecological considerations into their operations.
For Ensemble Modern, sustainability and climate protection have long been important topics. In April 2021, Johannes Schwarz, a bassoonist in the ensemble, initiated the discussion by bringing forward a collection of ideas and documents related to sustainability efforts. However, the ensmeble quickly realized that, despite numerous ideas and visions, they lacked a structured approach to prioritizing and implementing their sustainability goals. Following research into potential frameworks, EcoProfit emerged as a suitable solution. This system provides organizations with a structured pathway to becoming more environmentally friendly by offering guidance on implementing sustainable practices while considering operational efficiency. Through the adoption of EcoProfit, Ensemble Modern aims to develop a clear sustainability strategy, aligning their artistic and operational activities with environmental responsibility.
The EcoProfit program is widely used in municipal projects and aims to combine ecological and economic benefits for participating organizations. In Frankfurt, the initiative was managed by the Energy Department of the City of Frankfurt in collaboration with the agency ARCOM. After contacting the city in October 2021, Ensemble Modern learned that the next course was scheduled to begin in April 2022. However, due to the need for a sufficient number of participants, the program was ultimately launched in September 2022 with a cohort of twelve diverse companies.
The participating organizations varied significantly in size and industry. Among them were a real estate company with just six employees, a pension insurance fund with over 500 employees, a church parish, and a public swimming pool operator. The only participant from the cultural sector was Beck Publishing House, which employs around 80 people.
The program lasted one year and included
- Eight joint workshops covering topics such as energy, electricity and heating, waste management, hazardous materials, water usage, renewable energy, sustainable management systems, mobility, and procurement.
- Several individual consultations, facilitated by ARCOM, tailored to each company’s specific needs.
- External speakers invited to each workshop, which were held at different participating institutions and included on-site company tours.
- Practical assignments, requiring participants to analyze and optimize their energy use, heating, ventilation, IT systems, waste separation, and sanitation facilities.
EcoProfit primarily focuses on Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions, meaning direct and indirect emissions that organizations can actively influence. These include:
- Electricity and heating consumption
- Fuel use of company-owned vehicles
While some topics were more relevant to larger companies, all participants benefited from measures aimed at improving energy efficiency and resource management. Although Ensemble Modern does not engage in industrial production, sustainability measures related to lighting, heating, ventilation, IT infrastructure, and waste disposal were key areas of focus.
By participating in EcoProfit, Ensemble Modern gained structured guidance on implementing sustainability measures, aligning its operations with environmental responsibility while optimizing resource use.
One of the most time-consuming aspects of participating in EcoProfit was data collection. While some information was readily available, other data points required extensive research. To support this process, two to three individual counselling sessions were provided by EcoProfit agents, who helped investigate, verify, and document the necessary data. The primary goal of this effort was to use the collected data to identify environmental and economic savings within Ensemble Modern. Additionally, tracking these figures over the years allows for performance comparisons, helping the organization monitor its progress in sustainability efforts.
Although Johannes (the bassoonist) and Kathrin attended most of the workshops, the implementation of sustainability measures was a collaborative effort. A small internal team of four people, including office staff and musicians, was formed to discuss, prioritize, and decide on sustainability initiatives for the ensemble.
A significant challenge of the EcoProfit program is its strong focus on building-related sustainability measures. However, Ensemble Modern does not own the building where its office and rehearsal spaces are located. Instead, the ensemble shares the facility with three other institutions, making it difficult to independently implement certain structural or energy-related improvements. Moreover, as they are neither the owners nor direct tenants of the space, their ability to enforce sustainability changes is limited. Despite these challenges, Ensemble Modern continues to identify and implement practical, organization-specific sustainability measures, making the best use of the EcoProfit framework within their operational constraints.
Ensemble Modern’s participation in the EcoProfit program was shaped by its unique building situation. The City of Frankfurt is the tenant of the property and provides the facility to Ensemble Modern and other institutions. The city covers all utility costs, except for electricity, which the ensemble is responsible for. As a result, their ability to implement large-scale sustainability measures was somewhat limited.
However, participation in EcoProfit significantly strengthened Ensemble Modern’s position in discussions with the city regarding much-needed renovations. Upcoming projects include a new lighting system for the building and a new boiler heating system. By gathering comprehensive data on energy consumption and costs, the ensemble was able to advocate more effectively for these renovations.
Since Ensemble Modern does not have a dedicated facility manager, the process of assessing energy use and potential cost savings required a steep learning curve. The EcoProfit agency provided calculation models, but it was still necessary to manually count and document all light bulbs across five floors to estimate the potential savings from an upgraded lighting system.
In addition to individual counselling sessions, agency representatives conducted an on-site assessment to identify further efficiency opportunities. One key finding was that while the building had a large plastic recycling bin in the courtyard, waste separation on individual floors was lacking. In response, Ensemble Modern installed new waste baskets on each floor, labeled bins clearly to improve separation and coordinated with the cleaning staff to ensure proper waste disposal.
Beyond infrastructure changes, the program also raised awareness about energy use and operational habits. New signs were placed around the building to remind staff about responsible heating, lighting, and ventilation practices.
However, some challenges remained. For example, during winter, the agency questioned whether two musicians rehearsing in a large 200–300 m² room was a sustainable use of heating resources. Such conflicts between operational needs and sustainability goals highlighted the complexities of implementing environmental measures in a cultural institution.
As the EcoProfit program neared completion, Ensemble Modern underwent a 10-stage compliance audit. This process extended beyond environmental sustainability and included occupational safety and occupational medicine. A key part of this audit was the documentation and regulation of hazardous substances. The ensemble had to list all hazardous materials within the building, including chimney soot certificates and cleaning chemicals, identify and document paints, sprays, and other substances used internally, ensure all hazardous substances were properly stored and labeled in compliance with safety regulations.
A critical success factor in this process was engaging as many colleagues as possible. Sustainability is not only about infrastructure but also about raising awareness among employees, guest musicians, and even the audience. Small measures, such as improved waste separation and responsible energy use, helped reinforce the ensemble’s commitment to sustainability.
For the final EcoProfit audit, Ensemble Modern compiled all completed documents and presented them in a comprehensive final report. The process concluded with a one-hour online examination conducted by a certification commission. During this session, the ensemble outlined the sustainability measures they had already implemented, as well as future plans, including:
- Prioritizing environmental labels when purchasing office materials and electronics, such as Blue Angel and Energy Star certifications.
- Using certified sustainable paper for office printers and printed media.
- Favouring refurbished electronic devices wherever possible.
- Implementing a new travel policy requiring employees to take train journeys for trips under eight hours instead of flights. If flights are unavoidable, the ensemble commits to carbon offsetting.
- Upgrading to a filtered drinking water system to replace bottled water dispensers, reducing plastic waste.
To maintain momentum, Ensemble Modern established a climate board which regularly updates sustainability information for staff and visitors. As part of their long-term commitment, the ensemble also developed an Environmental Guideline, which is now publicly available on their website.
After a year of intensive work, Ensemble Modern was awarded the EcoProfit certificate by the head of Frankfurt’s Environmental Department. This certification marks an important milestone in the ensemble’s sustainability journey, providing a foundation for ongoing improvements in energy efficiency, waste reduction, and eco-conscious operations.
As a fitting conclusion to their EcoProfit journey, Ensemble Modern was invited to provide the musical backdrop for the certification ceremony, an honour that highlighted their dual commitment to both artistic excellence and sustainability.
Despite the additional workload alongside their regular responsibilities, the ensemble found the program highly rewarding. By following a structured approach rather than implementing random sustainability measures, they were able to better plan and track their progress. A key takeaway from the process was the importance of recording an organization’s initial environmental state to effectively measure improvements over time.
EcoProfit helped Ensemble Modern lay a solid foundation for sustainability, but they view this as an ongoing process. They continue to update their comparative data for 2023 and 2024, using it to inform both internal discussions and funding applications, demonstrating the impact of their sustainability efforts to stakeholders.
Normally, after completing the EcoProfit program, participants have the opportunity to join an ongoing network, where they would be recertified every two to three years. However, the City of Frankfurt discontinued the program to prioritize its goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2030. As a result, Ensemble Modern is now actively exploring alternative programs to continue their sustainability efforts and build on the progress they have made.
While the next steps remain uncertain, one thing is clear: Ensemble Modern’s commitment to sustainability is long-term, and they will continue to seek ways to improve their environmental performance while inspiring others in the cultural sector to do the same.
ENSEMBLE RESONANZ
Maike von Bredow (Executive Assistant) and Thore Strothmann (Commercial Management) from Ensemble Resonanz in Hamburg provided insight into the structure and sustainability initiatives of the ensemble.
Ensemble Resonanz is a Hamburg-based string orchestra that stands out due to its independent structure. Unlike state-funded orchestras, the ensemble has only limited government support, allowing for greater flexibility in organizational and programming decisions. For several years, the ensemble has been in residence at the Elbphilharmonie Hamburg and has also established its own club: the Resonanzraum. Located in a bunker near the Reeperbahn, this space serves not only as a rehearsal venue but also as a location for its own concert series.
A key focus of the presentation was the ensemble’s first-time calculation of its CO₂ footprint this year. This assessment included not only the energy consumption for rehearsals and tours but also the operation of its own club, including its technical infrastructure (lighting and sound systems).
Since the musicians themselves are the owners of the ensemble, there is a strong intrinsic motivation to find sustainable solutions. One example is the conscious decision to travel by train whenever possible within Europe, despite longer travel times and higher costs. For instance, the Hamburg-Vienna route is undertaken via night train.
The goal of the CO₂ assessment is to collect accurate data on emissions to implement targeted reduction measures.
Additionally, the ensemble hopes that sustainability efforts will open up new funding opportunities. Hamburg is known as a “foundation capital” with numerous funding institutions that increasingly focus on supporting sustainable projects. Ensemble Resonanz already enjoys a high reputation in Hamburg’s arts and culture scene. Through sustainability initiatives, this reputation could be further enhanced, leading to new partnerships with foundations and sponsors.
Audience engagement also plays a crucial role: many of the ensemble’s subscribers come from legal professions and have a keen interest in sustainability topics. Therefore, the ensemble is exploring ways to integrate sustainability strategies into its audience communication.
Finally, the question was raised about long-term possibilities for better evaluating and leveraging sustainable practices in the cultural sector. Reference was made to existing networks and workshops on environmentally friendly mobility within the arts sector.
Since September 24, Ensemble Resonanz has been part of the Fonds Zero, an initiative of the Federal Cultural Foundation (Kulturstiftung des Bundes) aimed at helping cultural institutions develop climate-neutral production methods. This funding is project-bound, meaning that six of the ensemble’s Urban String concerts receive financial support. These concerts take place in a club-like atmosphere at the Resonanzraum. As part of the Fonds Zero, the ensemble will develop a concept for climate-neutral Urban String concerts while focusing on topics related to climate change and environmental preservation.
Additionally, participation grants access to the Zero Academy, which offers workshops, regional networking events, and support from ARCOM, the same agency that assisted Ensemble Modern in calculating its carbon footprint.
However, being part of the Fonds Zero also comes with obligations: Ensemble Resonanz must calculate both its corporate carbon footprint (covering the entire company’s emissions for one year, specifically 2023) and product carbon footprints for the six funded concerts. At the end of the two-year Zero project, the ensemble will have completed seven footprint calculations.
To create zero-emission concepts, it is necessary to understand and measure emissions. The calculation follows the internationally recognized framework of Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 emissions:
- scope 1: directly from fuel-burning processes at on-site stationary and mobile facilities (heating plants, automobiles, physical or chemical processes, leaks and diffusions of refrigerants from cooling systems, etc.)
- scope 2: indirect emissions by energy from the grid (production and transport of electricity and heating-related emissions)
- scope 3: all other indirect emissions
Each footprint calculation requires setting boundaries on what is measured. With ARCOM’s assistance, Ensemble Resonanz identifies the most significant CO₂ drivers by considering data availability, emission impact, and the degree of control the organization has over each factor. Some key factors included in the calculation:
- Audience travel: Measured for concerts at the Resonanzraum and Elbphilharmonie, where the ensemble has a regular presence. However, audience travel to one-time venues is excluded due to lack of data and control.
- CD and vinyl production: Though a minor contributor to emissions, it is included because the ensemble has full control over this aspect.
- Wastewater: Included, but general waste is excluded since waste management is controlled by the venue’s house management.
Preliminary analysis highlights two major contributors to the ensemble’s carbon footprint:
- Energy sources: The ensemble currently lacks a renewable energy provider, which is an easily addressable issue with a significant impact.
- Mobility (Touring and Audience Mobility): As expected, travel remains the most significant factor, both for musicians and audiences. Despite efforts to prioritize train travel, limitations still exist, making full climate neutrality a long-term challenge.
Like many cultural institutions, Ensemble Resonanz faces the complex task of balancing sustainability with practical constraints. The organization will continue refining its approach, potentially expanding Scope 3 factors over time. Achieving true climate neutrality is an ongoing process, but through the Zero Fund, the ensemble is taking meaningful steps toward more sustainable operations.
