This slide show is an outcome of Creative Strategies of Sustainability (CSOS), an Engine Room Europe project for Trans Europe Halles, led by ufaFabrik, Berlin, Germany, Project Manager Sigrid Niemer. ufaFabrik is a pioneering independent cultural centre in the field of sustainability and together Trans Europe Halles network defining sustainability as a way of thinking on how to improve the living environment and well being of citizens and communities driven by the development of cultural vitality, social equity, environmental sustainability and economic prosperity. Text by Sandy Fitzgerald. Further information: www.teh.net and www.ufafabrik.de

1. 8 s t e p s to a M o r e
Su sta in a bl e Bu il d in g

2. 1. Green mark everything!
Mark all energy consuming outlets with clear green
stickers reminding users of the DO’s and DON’T’s of
usage: lights, heating, cookers, water etc.
Check electricity, gas and water use every month and
try to reduce usage. This will save you money too!

3. 2. Save Water!
Check for leaks, including underground leaks, and
mend. One dripping tap can waste 20,000 liters of
water a year!
Signs over sinks could read “5 liters of water comes
out of this tap per minute – don’t waste it!”
Look for water efficiency labels on products.
If you don’t have a water meter, install one.

4. 3. Turn it off!
Make sure all rooms not in use have their lights and heating off.
Make sure all machines and appliances not in use are turned off.
In particular, check the building before leaving at night.

5. 4. Insulate!
Heat escapes through walls, windows and roofs.
Start with easy and cheap insulation: make sure all
gaps, cracks and holes are filled; insulate attics; seal
windows and doors.

6. 5. Recycle!
Set up recycling in your building, creating clear and
useable bins for separating trash in a way that works
for local recycling collection.
Install a wormery for the conversion
of organic matter into fertiliser that
you can then use or even sell!

7. 6. Trash Management
Buy in bulk and cut down on packaging.
Use reusable bags and boxes.
Ban junk mail.
Use reusable cups, plates, cutlery etc.
Give away or sell unwanted items. Reuse packaging, plastic bags,
containers, envelopes etc.

8. 7. Choose Efficient Products
Install energy efficient bulbs.
Look for appliances with the Energy Star label
or look for the appliance star rating.

9. 8. Active Intervention
Build sustainability awareness within your whole
team. Everyone should have ownership of a
sustainability policy.
The team appoints and actively supports someone to
be responsible for sustainability issues.
Draw up a plan that this person then implements e.g. they check
energy usage on a monthly basis; set up and monitor the trash
recycling; make sure the building is ‘switched off’ every night; etc.

10. Background
This slide show is an outcome of Creative Strategies of Sustainability (CSOS), an Engine Room
Europe project for Trans Europe Halles, led by ufaFabrik, Berlin, Germany, Project Manager Sigrid
Niemer. Thanks to Werner Wiartalla and Camille De Wit for contributions to this slide show.
Further information: www.teh.net and www.ufafabrik.de
Engine Room Europe is a three year programme (April 2011-May 2014) of activities dedicated to
independent cultural workers and their creative processes. It is initiated by Trans Europe Halles
(TEH) and co-ordinated by Melkweg (Amsterdam, The Netherlands) in association with 10 co-organ-
izing TEH members. Engine Room Europe has been funded with the support of the European Com-
mission. This publication [communication] reflects the view only of the author, and the Commission
cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
Text: Sandy Fitzgerald This publication is produced under a Creative Commons
Cover Photograph: ufaFabrik, Berlin Licence 3.0 Unported (Attribution Non-Commercial
Layout: Sandy Fitzgerald, Anna Weitz Share Alike). You may copy, distribute and show in
Graphic design: Daan Drubbel public the texts and translations for non-commercial
purposes. Trans Europe Halles, 2013
Download your copy at www.teh.net