SWG3

SWG3, located in the centre of Glasgow, is one of Scotland’s most distinctive independent venues, a collection of atmospheric spaces alive with art, design, music, fashion, food, shopping and nightlife.   

The business is delivering ambitious leadership, with sustainability a key part of the overall culture and ethos. SWG3’s goal is to be at the forefront of building a sustainable future for the music and events industry with ambitious goals to be a net zero operational venue by the end of 2025 and have a net zero supply chain by 2030.  These targets are ahead of competitors in the event industry in Glasgow. 

Their Net Zero Action Plan includes 6 themes: 

• circularity;
• biodiversity;
• cultural programme;
• creative placemaking;
• leadership, and
• collaboration; climate adaptation and mitigation.  

SWG3 are reducing their carbon footprint, material use and improving local biodiversity.  Action across these areas is driven by a Sustainability Co-ordinator and Green Team, comprising 10-15 members of staff from across all areas of the business, with regular monitoring and reporting against targets.  All staff are empowered to make changes and there are opportunities for them to provide ideas via a staff suggestions box and an open-door policy with the management team.

SWG3s BODYHEAT geothermal system is world-leading, attracting global attention.  It captures body heat from visitors and stores it to use for heating or cooling later. The energy used to run the system is 100% renewable and it is estimated BODYHEAT will reduce SWG3’s energy demand by 67%, with a potential payback period of 5 years.   

In 2023, SWG3 reduced their Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 15.4 tonnes CO₂e; an 87% reduction from their baseline of 123 tonnes CO₂e in 2018-2020.  This was achieved through reducing staff commuting emissions, encouraging audience travel to the venue to be made by sustainable means and switching to their StackCup reusable cup system in place of disposable cups.  Through introducing the StackCups in December 2023, the business has avoided an estimated 165,000 disposable plastic cups.  

They have also regenerated 3,200m² of derelict, industrial wasteland into a community garden filled with native plants and trees, raised beds for community food growing, an orchard, wild food foraging area, beehives, and a wildflower meadow.

As well as addressing the demand for public greenspace in the city centre and providing a space for community groups and schools, the garden also contributes to local Biodiversity Net Gain. SWG3 is currently working with students at Glasgow Caledonian University to quantify the carbon capture and Biodiversity Net Gain of the garden. 

SWG3s’ policies and actions have generated indirect economic benefits such as attracting new business and events including the New York Times Climate Hub at COP26 and hosting a Circular Supper Club in conjunction with Glasgow Chamber of Commerce.  Their £1 levy on the StackCups will initially be used to cover the cost of the system and then, in future, this will be donated to a local music therapy charity.   

The business has several initiatives in place to improve staff and customer wellbeing.  Their ‘Be Sound’ campaign on mental health, includes a welfare team who are easily identifiable in blue vests for gig goers and quiet areas in venues for those who may need them.  They plan to share the campaign with entertainment venues across Scotland. SWG3 also runs the YardWorks programme, regenerating vacant and derelict land through new facilities and public art, improving the local environment and helping people to feel more positive about the area they live in.   

SWG3 is an excellent example of how a business can deliver ambitious net zero targets and actions through collaboration and engagement with others.  They have enormous potential to influence the hospitality and entertainment sector, despite their size within the sector.