Music has a connecting power: it is a universal language that inspires, brings people together, and transcends differences. We extend this connecting force into the vision and daily practice of AMUZ, with sustainability as a guiding thread throughout our work. We do not only want to take steps ourselves, but also encourage and inspire others to make conscious choices with a positive impact on the world around us. For AMUZ, sustainable entrepreneurship is not a destination, but an ongoing process.
Below, we outline some of our initiatives.
Energy
Together with the City of Antwerp, we invest in sustainable infrastructure.
We maintain and clean our buildings exclusively with organic products. Repairs and renovations are carried out as much as possible by our own production team; where appropriate, we collaborate with social employment enterprises.
AMUZ uses 100% green electricity and closely monitors its water, gas and electricity consumption. Thanks to the support of the Flemish Government, we have switched to energy-efficient LED lighting in the concert hall and other spaces (such as corridors and dressing rooms).
An energy audit is currently underway to identify further energy-saving measures. In addition, the National Lottery is financing a study of our ecological footprint, enabling us to prepare additional environmentally conscious actions.
Mobility
Most AMUZ employees commute by bicycle or public transport. We also encourage our audience to come to AMUZ on foot, by bike or by public transport — for example by using (shared) bicycles: a Vélo station is located just around the corner in the Oudaan.
For all printed materials, AMUZ deliberately chooses FSC-certified paper — sourced from sustainably managed forests. Our brochures are printed using environmentally friendly inks.
We limit paper use to an absolute minimum and apply a clear no-waste approach. Thanks to cloud-based solutions, we can work largely paperless without compromising efficiency.
Sustainable Encounters
AMUZ is more than a cultural venue: we aim to be an open house in the heart of a dynamic city. We actively invest in connections with the local community and strive to create encounters between people from diverse backgrounds — social, cultural, ethnic, religious or economic. We believe that genuine dialogue can only emerge when everyone feels welcome.
Sustainable Collaboration
When selecting partners and suppliers, AMUZ opts for sustainable, long-term relationships. We seek collaborations that are mutually beneficial and that contribute to our sustainability goals. Wherever possible, we work with local partners and choose fair products. Because together, we achieve more than alone.
Music
Music remains our core — and it may well be our most sustainable contribution to society. The self-reflection required to remain socially relevant as a cultural organisation, while fulfilling our core mission, ranks high on our list of priorities.
The value of classical music in general, and of historical repertoire in particular, for society is the starting point and the very reason for AMUZ’s existence. The principles of historically informed performance practice are central to this mission. At the same time, we continue to seek renewal, through projects that not only reach broader audiences but also offer depth and reflection.
Music plays a unique role in society. It transcends language, connects people, offers joy and comfort, and has a proven positive effect on cognitive development. In a rapidly changing and often demanding world, this is no minor detail, but an essential component of wellbeing.
Conclusion
At AMUZ, sustainability is therefore not a separate mission, but an integral part of who we are. Every note, every collaboration and every choice matters — for today and for tomorrow.
