We are all affected by both the effects of climate change and the measures to limit its consequences. The issue is crucial for our collective future. With this in mind, the Yorck Kinogruppe has established an in-house sustainability team. Our team is made up of employees from various areas such as technology, operations, service, administration and marketing. In our work, we are guided by the German government's climate protection goals and have decided to focus on the following areas:
1. Climate Assessment
Collection and consolidation of extensive data in order to determine effective steps for reducing emissions.First steps
In 2019, we carried out an initial climate assessment for one of our cinema locations and used it as a starting point for major initiatives.
Current focus
This year, we plan to carry out a comprehensive assessment for all locations. This will allow us to measure greenhouse gas emissions and prioritize appropriate measures.
The future
Our aim is to collect fixed data annually so that we have reliable comparative values and can measure how successful our efforts are.
2. Energy
Energy-efficient heating, cooling and lighting is a priority for us. First steps
Since 2014, we have only been using green electricity from Naturstrom. We also began switching to LED lighting and insulating the cinemas, as well as initiating the switch to laser projectors in some cinemas.
Current focus
Our heating and ventilation systems are currently being modernized.
Goal
By 2030, the switch to LED lighting and the refurbishment and insulation of our 12 cinemas should be completed.
3. Waste Management
Our focus is on waste avoidance and correct garbage separation. First steps
To reduce our waste, we have introduced reusable tableware in all our cinemas since 2020.
Current focus
We are currently working on the installation of waste separation stations in all cinemas and a pilot project for a multi-use system for popcorn sales.
The future
We want to offer as many reusable packaging options as possible by 2030. Furthermore, we want to use new digital tools for monitoring in order to plan our print product runs ideally and avoid residual stocks.
4. Mobility
Business travel should be as climate-neutral as possible. First steps
For our company, business trips within Germany should be done by train. In order to make a climate-friendly journey attractive for our guests, our website contains information on public transport connections and descriptions of the bicycle stands on site.
Current focus
When purchasing new vehicles, we rely on used natural gas cars. These are supplemented by car-sharing cars as required. Our employees are encouraged to cycle wherever possible.
The future
By 2030, we want to completely abandon diesel-powered vehicles. We are also testing whether electric cargo bikes could be an alternative for smaller journeys.
5. Service providers, Goods, Logistics
We attach great importance to sustainability when selecting our service providers. First steps
Since a position for Food & Beverage was created 4 years ago, our product range has specifically changed in the direction of sustainability/organic. For example, in addition to our home-made popcorn, we now offer Kadó liquorice and Berliner Nuss.
Current focus
We are currently monitoring all of our service providers and products. The first results are the switch to local printers for the Yorcker and Cine City, as well as the replacement of our cleaning agents.
The future
By 2030, we want to expand our collaboration with regional and sustainable service providers. We also want to work with film distributors to simplify and reduce both the logistics and production of their advertising materials.
6. Partnerships
We maintain various partnerships with cultural institutions and service providers. First steps
We have cooperations with “Kino: Natürlich”; “Lust auf besser Leben gGmbH”; and “Naturstrom”, among others. We support the Green League Berlin, ADFC, Klimadialog, Film & Talk #2030 Bezirksamt Charlottenburg with spot and film broadcasts. Since 2021, we have also been a member of the Action Network Sustainability in Culture and Media.
Current focus
We regularly take part in industry events where we can forge new partnerships and exchange information and ideas about sustainable trends.