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In four years, GCC membership has grown to 1500 plus, including non-profits, galleries, institutions, artists, individual professional and art sector business from more than 50 countries. Upon registration, all members agree to take urgent and effective action as part of the Coalition Commitments. However, simply signing up to the coalition does not guarantee that the necessary actions are then taken.
Active Membership is awarded to GCC members who can demonstrate that they have implemented environmentally responsible best practice in line with GCC guidance, via four key actions;
1. Measure Impact2. Take Action3. Publicly Commit4. Review and ReflectBecoming an Active Member is a great way to begin your climate action journey - 78% of Active Members feel that they or their organisation are on track to meet their 2030 targets!
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Why become an Active Member?
GCC’s 2030 targets are rapidly approaching and effective action is more urgent than ever. GCC members who achieve Active Membership status will receive an Active Membership Badge for their use, are highlighted on the GCC website and celebrated across our social media. Becoming an Active Member publicly demonstrates your commitment to climate action!
Active Members also qualify for additional benefits and discounts from carefully selected partner organisations.
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How to become an Active Member?
To achieve 2024 Active Membership, you must demonstrate the following:
Organisations
Meet ALL FOUR criteria
Artists & Individuals
Meet ANY THREE criteria
1. Measure Impact Submit: A 12-Month Carbon Report or Audit from the past 2 years using GCC Carbon Calculator or from an external auditor or tool.
Submit one of the following: 12-Month Carbon Report OR Major Project Carbon Report OR Climate Impact Report. 2. Take Action
Establish and maintain a Green Team or Green Ambassador that isresponsible for implementing best practice within their organisation and collecting and analysing data.
Submit: The name(s) of members and meeting notes or correspondence from three meetings over a 12 month period. If you hold 2023 Active Membership, you must also demonstrate evidence of 3 actions taken by your Green Team.
Advocate for best practice within your professional context.
Submit one of the following: An Environmental Responsibility Rider OR Demonstrate Climate Action through evidence.
3. Publicly Commit Submit: An environmental responsibility statement signed by Senior Leadership and a screenshot of the statement published prominently on your website.
Submit: An environmental responsibility statement signed by you and a screenshot of the statement published prominently on your website. 4. Review and Reflect Submit: a 250 word application statement that elaborates on your application and your organisation’s climate efforts from the past year.
Submit: a 500 word narrative that elaborates on your application and your climate efforts from the past year. Organisations Submit HERE Artist & Individual Submit HERE Further detail can be found in the Active Membership Support Packs.
For 2024, the criteria for Individuals and Artists is more flexible with a wider range of ways to achieve Active Membership status. In turn, the terminology around Active Membership criteria has shifted to accommodate these additional pathways.
GCC acknowledges that every member faces a unique set of circumstances and this criteria may not be achievable for everyone. If you are confident in the climate action you have taken, but are not able to provide the above information, please get in touch with the Community Coordinator to discuss possible accommodations for achieving Active Membership.
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Active Member Badge
As part of the initiative, GCC provides qualifying members with a badge to recognise and celebrate the action that they have taken. The badge may be used on member websites, social media, email footers etc. The badges are year-stamped and members will have to re-submit annually if they would like to retain the latest Active designation. The Active Member badge has replaced the previous Carbon Reporting badge.
The badge acknowledges positive action taken. It is not a certification of sustainability.
Benefits & Partnerships
As a further incentive for members to achieve active status, GCC has been negotiating benefits and discounts with carefully considered partners who can offer products and services inline with principles of sustainability, or help members fulfil their reduction targets. You can view the full list of benefits here.
Disclaimer:
The Active Member designation acknowledges those who are actively trying to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and waste. It is not a verification of sustainability.
In some circumstances, GCC may also require members to take specific further actions in order to qualify as an Active Member. For example, if GCC becomes aware of a member undertaking any external activities that GCC considers to seriously undermine its commitment to environmental responsibility (such as a promotional partnership with a fossil fuel company or other highly polluting industry), GCC may ask that member to stop those activities before being classified as an active member. These kinds of issues will be considered on a case by case basis, in consultation with environmental advisors.
GCC reserves the right to challenge submitted data and ask for clarification if the information provided is not substantial enough. Active members will be required to re-submit annually in order to qualify. However, the defining criteria may develop and be expanded in the future. GCC does not have the capacity to verify all voluntarily submitted evidence and / or vet each member's activities—it trusts that members complete the work truthfully and in good faith.
Becoming an Active Member is a great way to begin your climate action journey, 78% of Active Members feel that they or their organisation are on track to meet their 2030 targets!
