East Midlands museums are going green

An initiative to enable the region’s museums to reduce their environmental impact has found that 80% of museums in the East Midlands are already taking important steps to improve their environmental performance.

The Renaissance East Midlands funded project, called Green Museums, comprises three stages; a survey of the region’s museums to establish their awareness of environmental issues and the steps already being taken; one-to-one support for six museums; and the development of a step-by-step guide available to all museums in the East Midlands and the UK.

The survey carried out by De Montfort University on behalf of Renaissance East Midlands and MLA East Midlands has found that:

• 35% of museums are actively aware of their environmental footprint and already taking action to reduce their environmental impact
• 80 % have systems in place for recycling and 60 % regularly buy recycled goods
• nearly three quarters of sites recognise they have a role in environmental education of visitors and 42 % have organised environmentally themed events or activities. 

The research found that many sites are also taking actions that they don’t equate with the environment, for example one museum is working with the local RSPB to conduct a bird survey on site and to develop a wildlife footpath with interpretive panels.

The survey also highlighted that independent museums are often better placed to take environmental actions, although generally don’t have the funding for larger-scale projects and smaller museums often recognise and appreciate the cost savings resulting from environmental actions.

Green Museums project manager Caroline Pick commented;

“The research has provided a very useful baseline of information and has shown that the region’s museums have significant appetite to reduce their environmental footprint and thereby play a significant role in securing the future of the communities they serve as well as protect the past. The next phase of 1-2-1 work with six museums will enable them to make significant changes and establish models of success which can be adopted across the region.”

The questionnaire was sent to all museums in the East Midlands.  Responses were received from 96 museums, a response rate of 40 %.