Why hire an environmental responsibility consultant?
Museums have an urgent responsibility to address the planetary emergency and staff working in museums are keen to understand how to catalyse change in their respective areas of work. However, it can be hard to know where to start.
A consultant can:
- help signpost the latest and most credible resources
- connect people with industry leaders
- distil complex ideas into bite-size, actionable pieces that are relevant to the museum context.
Working with a consultant supports teams as they upskill. It gives them the confidence to make the right decisions, at the right time during the life cycle of a project. Investing in this external resource helps keep the organisation committed and accountable.
We know that museums can be a force for good. When working with a consultant, the invitation is to consider how to use the public platform to help audiences catalyse change, whilst ensuring as back of house we are engaging in the most responsible practices.
Why do we refer to environmental responsibility instead of sustainability?
For years, people have used the term sustainability when describing behaviours that take into consideration the planetary emergency, so in many ways, it’s an understood shorthand for greener practice. However, ‘sustainability’ is also used when referring to financial or personal sustainability, which can create confusion.
Many companies also use this word to greenwash their practices and mislead consumers – greenwashing occurs where an environmental claim made about a business, product or service is untrue or misleading. Is there really such a thing as a ‘sustainable’ fast fashion brand for example? Are exhibitions ever completely sustainable? Perhaps – if they are truly carbon neutral, fully embrace circular economy solutions and are powered only by renewables.
I’d argue that we’re not quite there yet, and whilst we’re certainly working towards developing more environmentally responsible exhibitions in the future, that will take a while. Reducing travel distance of objects on display, embracing greener materials for build and running exhibitions for longer all help to reduce a museum’s carbon footprint.
What is MAGNET?
The Museums and Galleries Network for Exhibition Touring (MAGNET) is a network of 12 museums and galleries that are joining resources to share their collections with diverse national audiences.
What are the MAGNET partners hoping to achieve?
Different organisations in the network have different requirements. Our goal as consultants is to help build confidence and support staff to understand where they have agency. Together, we’re developing a shared language and empowering teams to use new tools to standardise CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent) emissions reporting across the sector.
Screenshot of the Gallery Climate Coalition’s carbon calculator, launched in autumn 2024
What has the MAGNET network achieved so far?
- Developed new resources, including guiding principles to align the approach to environmental responsibility between different organisations
- Received training on the new Gallery Climate Coalition carbon calculator
- Explored resources such as the Design Museum exhibition design guide and Touring tool (developed in collaboration with Art Fund and The Exhibitions Group)
- Looked at case studies
- Explored the Bizot Green Protocol refresh in depth
- Learnt more about National Museum Directors Council’s response to tackling the planetary emergency
Because a key aim is to reduce the environmental impact of the MAGNET exhibitions, we must first learn to measure their CO2e emissions. We can then use this to reduce emissions.
Collaboration is at the heart of the MAGNET project, which means it lends itself particularly well to this work. The MAGNET group know they are part of a wider community working for change in the face of the planetary emergency, and that is reassuring.
Hair: Untold Stories at the Horniman in 2022
How do you reduce the environmental impact of an exhibition?
It starts with mindset. We are seeing an increasing number of brilliant low-carbon projects developed by colleagues who are curious and excited about making improvements and working with artists, designers and lenders who are engaged in this mission.
Communication and collaboration is key. As museum professionals we work with so many people – lenders, designers, shipping agents and contractors. It’s important to be clear about expectations and give people time to research alternative ways of doing things.
By activating the power of networks, it is possible to accelerate progress as a group with local organisations who share similar suppliers and audiences. In London for example, the South Kensington Zero Emissions Nature Positive (ZEN+) network has recently published a Charter for a Sustainable Supply Chain which, it is hoped, will be adopted by its 23 members.
How early do you need to start thinking about it?
As early as possible!
During exhibition research and development phase it’s crucial to bring environmental responsibility to the fore. When developing a business case, or formalising contracts with partners, it’s important to be clear on the intentions for the project and set a direction.
What skills are needed?
We all have a role to play in responding to the planetary emergency, and the best way to do this is by tapping into existing skills.
For staff who are a whizz with budgets, the carbon accounting side might be of interest. For those working in communications, developing messaging that motivates visitors and colleagues could be a natural fit.
As a society we must work together to activate change. We all have talents and experience to bring to this urgent mission. The time is now.
Elise is Head of Exhibitions and Environmental Impact Lead at the Design Museum in London, she has over two decades experience of creating cultural impact through exhibitions, events and action research and most recently, her focus is on reformed museum practice for a green transition.
Find out more about the Design Museum’s work.
Lead image: Installation view of ‘Waste Age: What can design do?’ 2021 © Felix Speller for the Design Museum