How Can Museums Become More Sustainable?

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The health of our planet is one of the defining issues of our time, and cultural institutions have an essential role to play. But how can museums become more sustainable?

The drive for museums to be more environmentally sustainable has never been more urgent. With daily news updates, intense debates, and frequent calls for action, the need for sustainability across all industries, including arts and culture, is impossible to ignore.

Like businesses, shops, and individuals, museums have a responsibility to operate in an eco-conscious manner. However, knowing where to start can be challenging, especially for institutions with limited time and resources.

Thankfully, sustainability doesn’t always require dramatic renovations or complete operational overhauls. Small, manageable steps can be a powerful starting point for museums aiming to make a difference.

10 simple steps to fight climate change and be more sustainable

While not an exhaustive solution, small changes can be impactful, especially for small and medium-sized, community-led museums. Below, we expand on 10 practical ways to reduce emissions, minimize waste, and make museums greener, with actionable advice for each step.

1. Switch to LED Lighting Solutions

Switching to LED lighting solutions is one of the simplest yet most effective steps a museum can take towards sustainability. Traditional lighting systems consume significant energy, and upgrading to LED bulbs can reduce energy consumption by up to 80%. Conducting an audit of all lighting fixtures can identify areas where improvements are needed, and installing motion sensors in low-traffic areas can further optimize energy use.

2. Recycle and Compost Waste

Recycling and composting waste is another essential step. Museums can implement clear waste segregation systems with visible signage for both visitors and staff. Partnering with local recycling and composting services can ensure waste is handled responsibly. Hosting workshops or educational sessions on waste reduction can also raise awareness among staff and visitors.

3. Eliminate Plastic Bags and Single-Use Plastics

Eliminating plastic bags and single-use plastics from gift shops is a visible and impactful change. Museums can replace plastic bags with paper or reusable options and reduce unnecessary plastic packaging for merchandise. Encouraging visitors to bring their own reusable bags can further minimize plastic waste.

4. Identify and Address Energy Drainers

Identifying and addressing energy drainers is crucial for long-term sustainability. Conducting an energy audit can highlight high-consumption areas and equipment, such as outdated HVAC systems or inefficient appliances. Optimizing these systems, installing smart thermostats, and ensuring non-essential equipment is turned off when not in use can lead to significant energy savings.

5. Go Paperless or Use Recycled Paper

Going paperless or switching to recycled paper is an increasingly achievable goal. Ticketing, newsletters, and event information can often be transitioned to digital platforms. Where printing is unavoidable, using FSC-certified recycled paper and implementing double-sided printing as a standard practice can reduce waste.

6. Seal Draughts and Fix Insulation Issues

Sealing draughts and fixing insulation issues can prevent energy loss, especially in older museum buildings. Regular inspections of doors, windows, and roofing can identify problem areas. Using weatherstripping, improving insulation, and addressing maintenance issues can result in both energy efficiency and cost savings.

7. Use Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products

Using eco-friendly cleaning products is a small yet impactful change. Switching to biodegradable and non-toxic cleaning supplies reduces harmful chemicals entering the environment. Training cleaning staff on correct usage and buying in bulk to reduce packaging waste can further enhance this initiative.

8. Host Zero-Waste Events

Hosting zero-waste events can set an example for both staff and visitors. Museums can develop a zero-waste policy, partner with sustainable vendors, and ensure that serving materials are reusable or compostable. Even committing to one zero-waste event per year can make a meaningful difference.

9. Educate and Empower Staff on Sustainability Practices

Educating and empowering staff on sustainability practices creates a culture of environmental responsibility. Regular training sessions, appointing a sustainability champion, and encouraging staff to contribute their own ideas can foster a collective commitment to greener operations.

10. Incorporate Sustainability into Programming

Incorporating sustainability into programming is an opportunity for museums to inspire visitors. Exhibitions and events focused on environmental themes, along with lectures, workshops, and school programs, can educate audiences and encourage action. Collaborating with environmental organizations can also amplify these efforts.

Additional Steps for Museums Ready to Go Further

Greening the supply chain is an advanced step for museums ready to deepen their commitment. Partnering with sustainable suppliers, prioritizing local sourcing, and auditing suppliers for their environmental impact can improve overall sustainability.

Installing renewable energy solutions, such as solar panels or wind turbines, can drastically reduce a museum’s carbon footprint. Museums can also explore grants or subsidies to support these projects.

Optimizing water usage is another effective measure. Installing water-saving fixtures in restrooms, collecting rainwater for non-potable applications, and monitoring water consumption can reduce waste and costs.

Engaging visitors in sustainability initiatives can extend a museum’s impact beyond its walls. Offering incentives for eco-friendly behavior, such as discounts for reusable cups, and creating interactive exhibits about sustainability can inspire action.

Monitoring and measuring progress is essential for long-term success. Regularly tracking sustainability metrics, including energy use, waste reduction, and water conservation, can provide insights for future improvements. Publishing annual sustainability reports can also showcase achievements and maintain accountability.

The rise of Green Museums

The concept of the “green museum” has gained traction in recent years. While there isn’t a strict definition, green museums integrate sustainability into both their programming and operations. These institutions often use their collections and exhibitions to educate visitors about environmental issues and inspire action.

Innovative Examples from Around the World

The Jeongok Prehistory Museum in South Korea is built in harmony with its natural surroundings and regulates internal temperatures efficiently to minimize energy use.

The Cité de l’Océan et du Surf in France prioritizes ecological education through exhibitions and boasts an energy-efficient architectural design.

The Natural History Museum of Utah in the USA was renovated to meet stringent green building standards, utilizing solar energy, locally sourced materials, and a green roof to minimize its environmental footprint.

Museums fighting climate change can start small

Sustainability doesn’t always require grand gestures. It can start with small, consistent actions. Whether it’s improving daily operations, rethinking events, or launching eco-focused exhibitions, museums have the power to contribute meaningfully to the global fight against climate change.