If you would like to receive more information on the EMC's approach to sustainability, please contact EMC Green Team member Katharina Weinert, at weinert[at]emc-imc[dot]org.
We would love to exchange with you about it.
EMC's Sustainability Policy
The EMC is committed to minimise its ecological footprint, implementing sustainable practices, and behaving as an example of good environmental practice for our members and other cultural networks.
The EMC has a Sustainability Policy which defines how the EMC will operate in an environamentally sustainable way. The policy was developed over several months in 2023 by the EMC Green Team and was approved by the EMC board in November 2023 and was updated in 2025/2026. It is based on previous processes and policies within the EMC such as a Sustainability Policy from 2022 and the SHIFT eco-guidelines for networks.
The revised Sustainability Policy reflects the lessons learned during the SHIFT certification process. It sets out clearer and updated objectives, measurable actions and accountability mechanisms across some of the key areas including governance, events management, procurement, and digital practices.
Recognising that network organisations may be small in structure yet wide in influence and impact, the policy places particular attention on reducing indirect environmental impacts and supporting members in their own sustainability journeys.
SHIFT eco-certification
The European Music Council, alongside 16 other networks, has received its eco-certification through SHIFT Culture for the third year in a row. Participating networks have worked together with Culture for Climate Scotland (CCS) to implement the SHIFT Culture eco-guidelines for cultural networks that were developed during the original SHIFT project.
See the full announcement here.
Having implemented the mandatory guidelines with due care and attention and adding additional optional norms each year, the EMC continued its work by researching specific practices to reduce its environmental impact, ensuring it remains up to date with sustainable and environmentally friendly approaches. This includes an updated Sustainability Policy and working with a comprehensive internal Travel Policy, tracking emissions from travel paid by EMC and continuing to raise awareness on issues surrounding climate change e.g. through the involvement in the GreenBeat Nexus project supporting the music sector's green transition which started in January 2026.
SHIFT eco-certificate
The EMC, together with 15 other international cultural networks, launched the SHIFT eco-certification pilot phase in January 2023. The aim of this process is to co-develop a bespoke eco-certification for cultural networks, taking into account their specific needs and working methods. Such a certification, established in partnership with Creative Carbon Scotland and Green Leisure Group, environmental sustainability specialists from Scotland and the Netherlands, will provide a scheme to improve, measure, monitor and evaluate efforts towards sustainability. The participating networks aim to get eco-certified by the end of 2023.
If you would like to receive more information on the EMC's approach to sustainability, please contact the EMC Green Team, Katharina Weinert, at weinert[at]emc-imc[dot]org.
and Andrea Murzi at murzi[at]emc-imc[dot]org. We would love to exchange with you about it.
#MakeTheSHIFT in 2025 – Join the SHIFT Culture eco-certification for Cultural Networks
Are you an EU-based cultural network or platform wanting to tackle the complexities of making your organisation more sustainable, but unsure where to start? Do you want to support the green transition, but feel lost at the prospect of addressing the ecological footprint associated with operating international cultural networks and platform organisations?
Why should you #MakeTheSHIFT?
By taking this opportunity to lead the way in sustainability, you will:
● Gain high-level recognition. The certification highlights your commitment to sustainability to partners, members and funders.
● Transform your network. The guidelines recognise and address the particular environmental challenges and opportunities associated with operating international cultural networks and platform organisations. They serve as a reference document for network organisations aiming to optimise environmentally sustainable practices for a changing world.
● Collaborate and innovate. Join a supportive community of European cultural networks dedicated to environmental impact reduction and participate in valuable peer-to-peer learning with a buddy network sharing insights and strategies.
● Benefit from expert guidance. The programme of annual workshops, peer support and external audits ensures meaningful progress.
● Access exclusive tools and resources. Specialised tools and individual support from Creative Carbon Scotland will enhance your green transition.
● Have a cost-effective impact. The cost is only €2500 per year (including VAT) with a minimum commitment of two years. This investment covers the full suite of support and certification benefits.
Taking part in the SHIFT Culture eco-certification for networks requires time and dedication from the organisation, which is rewarded with a positive impact on your organisation in terms of making the shift towards the green transition. Creative Carbon Scotland encourages you to read the SHIFT eco-guidelines on which the certificate is based and consider the capacity required to implement all the mandatory norms within your organisation.