The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, has launched the Green Theatre action plan at the annual conference of the Professional Lighting and Sound Association.

Developed in partnership with industry leaders, the Green Theatre: Taking Action on Climate Change outlines practical and effective measures that can be taken to reduce energy use and how to save money on energy bills. London's theatre industry currently creates 50,000 tonnes of carbon emissions each year. It is hoped that the plan can help reduce that figure by as much as 60 per cent by 2025 by identifying where changes need to be made and ensuring suppliers are also helping to cut down on emissions.

A range of key stakeholders, including the actors' union, Equity, the National Theatre and Arts Council England (ACE), were involved in compiling the report, which forms part of Johnson's plans to reduce London's carbon emissions. "London's theatres make a vital contribution to the capital's economy, and its productions and venues are renowned worldwide," said Johnson. "The power of the theatre industry to set an example in the fight against climate change is immense."

ACE executive director, Moira Sinclair, said: "A programme such as this demonstrates that the arts in England can lead internationally in responding to the pressures of climate change, moving beyond a duty of compliance with issues such as energy management, to a role of inspiration and influence much greater than that due to the industry's size alone." "That this leadership should emerge from London is of great encouragement to those artists and audiences that are drawn to this world city for its ability to innovate."