PLACEHOLDER – Net Zero for Museums: A Step-by-Step Starter Guide

Museums play an important role in helping society understand and respond to the climate crisis. But alongside storytelling and engagement, museums can also reduce their own environmental impact.

This starter guide outlines practical steps museums can take to begin their journey towards Net Zero – from understanding emissions to engaging staff, visitors and partners in climate action.

Step 1: Understand your starting point

Before setting targets, it’s important to understand your organisation’s current environmental impact.

Start by measuring your carbon footprint, including:

• Energy use in buildings
• Heating and cooling systems
• Staff travel and commuting
• Exhibition production and materials
• Waste and procurement

Many museums begin with a simple carbon audit to identify the biggest sources of emissions.

Focus first on the areas where your organisation has the most control and impact.

Step 2: Set clear climate goals

Once you understand your emissions, you can begin setting goals.

A typical approach might include:

• Setting a Net Zero target year
• Creating short-term reduction targets (e.g. 25–50% reduction by 2030)
• Aligning with national climate commitments such as Wales’ Net Zero ambitions

Clear goals help guide decision-making and demonstrate leadership across the sector.

Step 3: Reduce energy use in your buildings

Buildings are often the largest source of emissions for museums.

Practical steps include:

• Switching to renewable energy suppliers
• Upgrading to LED lighting
• Improving insulation and building efficiency
• Reviewing temperature and humidity settings where conservation allows
• Installing smart energy monitoring systems

Even small efficiency improvements can significantly reduce energy use.

Step 4: Rethink exhibitions and materials

Exhibitions can involve high levels of materials, transport and waste.

Museums can reduce impact by:

• Reusing exhibition structures and display materials
• Choosing sustainable or recyclable materials
• Designing exhibitions for reuse and touring
• Reducing single-use graphics and plastics
• Working with suppliers who prioritise sustainability

This approach supports a circular design mindset.

“Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Etiam dapibus justo nec volutpat dictum.”Name name
Job title, Organisation

Step 5: Embed sustainability across your organisation

Net Zero isn’t just a facilities issue — it requires organisation-wide engagement.

Consider:

• Creating a green team or sustainability lead
• Including climate action in your strategic plan
• Providing carbon literacy training for staff
• Updating procurement policies
• Reporting progress annually

Building internal awareness helps embed climate action into everyday practice.