Theatres will undergo an energy audit

Key players from theatreland will work with the mayor to produce a Climate Change Action Plan for London theatres to make them more energy efficient.

Ken Livingstone made the announcement while launching an energy efficient lighting scheme at the National Theatre on the South Bank.

Theatres will undergo an energy audit before implementing appropriate measures to cut carbon emissions.

Energy efficient lighting, improved building insulation and encouraging theatre-goers to use sustainable transport to travel to and from shows are among the policies which may be adopted.

'Vital contribution'

The initiative supports the mayor's Climate Change Action Plan, launched in February, which shows London can achieve a 60% reduction in carbon emissions.

Without this the city's carbon emissions will grow from 44 million tonnes a year to 52 million by 2025.

Mr Livingstone said: "Theatre makes a vital contribution to London's status as a world class cultural capital as well as contributing significantly to the economy.