Effective Actions

As we navigate the intersection of art and environmental responsibility, this resource empowers organizations in the art sector to champion sustainability through actionable projects. Taken from the GCC LA presentation “Understanding Climate Change and the Art World’s Impact” by Simone Paz at Gagosian Gallery on October 26, 2023, each initiative below invites organizations to embrace their role as stewards of both culture and the planet. Through the promotion of sustainability, collaboration, and advocacy, the art world can be a powerful force in shaping a resilient and environmentally conscious future.

 

 

Climate Action Planning 

  1. Create a green team to lead sustainability initiatives. 
  2. Conduct a greenhouse gas inventory and set emissions reduction goals.
  3. Develop a climate action plan and publish it on your organization’s website.
  4. Set, track, and report on sustainability metrics and progress.
  5. Pursue third-party certification for sustainable facilities management.

Waste Reduction:

  1. Conduct a waste audit to identify major waste streams and diversion opportunities. 
  2. Improve collection systems and signage to simplify recycling, composting, and reuse streams.
  3. Eliminate single-use plastics in food service areas, gift shops, and at all events.
  4. Institute paperless systems for office tasks and visitor transactions.
  5. Provide reusable serviceware for all staff and public events.

Sustainable Collections Care: 

  1. Set gallery temperature and humidity standards to balance preservation and energy use (example: Bizot Green Protocol).
  2. Audit cleaning and pest management products and adopt green alternatives.
  3. Upgrade storage and transit materials to recyclable, reusable, and other inert options. 
  4. Develop a collections care manual with sustainability best practices.
  5. Digitize collections to reduce the need for physical loans and transportation, which also expands access to wider audiences.

Energy Efficiency:

  1. Conduct an energy audit to identify high-use areas and opportunities for efficiency upgrades.
  2. Install LED lighting and occupancy sensors throughout public and office spaces. 
  3. Improve building insulation and seal air leaks around doors and windows.
  4. Upgrade to high-efficiency HVAC equipment and optimize settings for occupancy.
  5. Install smart thermostats and an energy management system to track and control energy use. 

Renewable Energy: 

  1. Install solar panels on the roof to generate on-site renewable electricity.
  2. Purchase renewable energy credits to offset grid electricity use. 
  3. Install solar thermal collectors to heat water for facilities. 
  4. Partner with a community solar farm to support off-site renewable energy.
  5. Convert fleet vehicles to electric models powered by renewable charging infrastructure.

Sustainable Materials:

  1. Adopt sustainable procurement guidelines for materials and services for all operations.
  2. Pilot renewable, recycled, or environmentally preferable materials in exhibitions.
  3. Rent, share, or recycle materials between exhibitions.
  4. Host a sustainable supplier fair to identify green product options. 
  5. Audit merchandising and food service items for sustainability.

Promoting Sustainability:

  1. Train staff on sustainability practices and integrate into onboarding.
  2. Install exhibitions on climate change and green operations. 
  3. Offer public workshops, lectures, and programs related to sustainability.
  4. Recognize staff sustainability ideas and achievements. 
  5. Promote sustainable transportation options to visitors and commuters.

Collaboration:

  1. Engage with local arts and cultural institutions on joint sustainability initiatives.
  2. Partner with universities, businesses, and NGOs on climate programs and research.
  3. Share information on collection items and exhibitions highlighting climate impacts from partner organizations.
  4. Co-develop symposiums, conferences, or workshops on the arts and climate.
  5. Contribute expertise to a community climate resilience plan.

Incorporating Climate Themes:

  1. Sponsor artist residencies and exhibitions focused on climate and the environment.
  2. Commission works related to climate science and climate justice.
  3. Acquire work exploring climate themes for the permanent collection.
  4. Develop multi-disciplinary programs and events on climate for the public.
  5. Create climate education initiatives.

Advocacy:

  1. Join sustainability networks and associations for museums and galleries.
  2. Advocate for policies and funding that supports climate resilience in the arts.
  3. Participate in community climate action planning processes.
  4. Promote climate-themed art and exhibitions on social media. 
  5. Publish op-eds and thought leadership pieces on the arts and climate.