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DEN CO2 Comparison Tool for Online and Physical Performances

How does the ecological footprint of online performances compare to that of physical performances? To provide insight into this, DEN presents the first version of the CO2 impact meter for the cultural sector.

24 oct `24

Background of the DEN Tool 

How does the CO2 emission of an online or streamed cultural performance compare to that of a physical performance for an audience in a venue? To gain insight into this, PHI Factory conducted research on behalf of DEN. Two cultural organizations had performances measured to map the CO2 footprint. Based on the results, the first version of a compact calculation tool was developed, allowing cultural organizations to calculate the CO2 impact of (online) performances themselves, either retrospectively or as a possible scenario. 

Use the tool in 2 ways

The tool can be used in two ways: to calculate the CO2 impact of a performance in the venue and online retrospectively, and to look ahead by entering hypothetical data and calculating the CO2 impact of various scenarios.

By filling in the tool, you gain insight into the CO2 impact related to a performance and become aware of how choices regarding location, materials, mobility, and whether or not to offer it online influence the CO2 impact.

Main Variables

This tool includes the following variables in its calculations: the energy use of the building, visitor mobility, artist mobility, materials for the set & costumes, and the recording and streaming of the performance. It is recommended to collect the information in advance. Keep in mind that it takes time to request and gather all the information from others. You can use the Checklist for this purpose.

The tool applies to one performance only. 

Note on the terms CO2e and CO2:


Carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) is a measure used to indicate how much a given amount of greenhouse gas contributes to global warming, using an equivalent concentration of CO2e. CO2 equivalent means that all greenhouse gases contributing to climate change are expressed in CO2. Therefore, in this text, we choose to use the term CO2 impact, while the measurement results are expressed in CO2e.

The DEN CO2 Calculation Tool for Online and Physical Performances

How does the ecological footprint of online performances compare to that of physical performances? Download the CO2 Comparison Tool for Online and Physical Performances here.

Get the Calculation Tool

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DEN CO2 Calculation Tool for the Performing Arts

Get the CO2 Calculation Tool.

Get the Calculation Tool