New Research on the Carbon Impacts of International Loans: Key Findings & Why It Matters
A new report commissioned by Arts Council England, Carbon Impacts of International Lending and Borrowing, offers the most detailed sector-wide analysis to date of the environmental footprint of international museum loans. Produced by The Exhibitions Group, the research examines the carbon hotspots of current practice from air freight and packing to environmental controls and outlines where change is both most urgent and most achievable.
The findings reinforce what many of us already know: that the climate crisis demands a fundamental rethink of how institutions operate. But crucially, the report moves beyond principles to offer practical entry points for reducing emissions, many of which align with GCC’s ongoing work.
Key Findings at a Glance
- The report confirms that emissions from museum loans are largely driven by transport (particularly air freight) and overly narrow environmental requirements for temperature and humidity. Despite growing scientific consensus that broader ranges are safe for most objects, 90% of loan agreements still mandate outdated parameters (typically 40–60% RH and 16–25°C). This standard not only increases energy use but also limits collaboration with lenders unable to meet them.
- Whilst there is a clear appetite for change, progress remains painfully slow. According to the study 80% of respondents expressed openness to updating environmental conditions if provided with reputational or institutional backing. Yet across the sector, environmental responsibility is still ranked below curatorial and conservation concerns, and meaningful change is often slowed by risk aversion and institutional inertia.
- Other emissions drivers include packing materials, courier travel, and one-off shipping methods. Encouragingly, many institutions are already experimenting with practical alternatives - i.e. reusable crates, virtual couriers, and consolidated shipments. Yet adoption is inconsistent, and many staff lack the training or confidence to lead internal change.
- The report also highlighted key sector blind spots most notably a widespread lack of awareness around updated international guidance. Only 18% of respondents currently follow the latest Bizot Protocol, while over 35% had never heard of it.
Conclusions & Report Recommendations Aligned with GCC’s Mission
The report outlines several clear steps for embedding environmental responsibility into the fabric of institutional practice in line with GCC’s recommendations. These include rewriting loan agreements to include sustainability clauses, normalising consolidated and sea freight shipping, switching to green energy, and investing in internal training.
Importantly, the research highlights the need for sector-wide alignment on carbon reporting and cites GCC’s emissions calculator as one of the leading tools for tracking and reducing exhibition-related emissions.
We encourage all GCC members particularly those engaged in international loans to read the report in full. It offers vital insight into where the sector currently stands, and what’s needed to shift from intention to impact.
As ever, GCC remains committed to supporting this transition through practical guidance, free tools, and collective action. If you’d like to discuss how to implement any of the report’s recommendations within your own organisation, get in touch GCC is here to help.
We spoke with Reyahn King, Executive Director of The Exhibitions Group about the findings.
Q: The report found 80% of respondents are open to revising environmental parameters if given institutional backing, yet uptake remains slow. What strategies would you recommend for overcoming this risk aversion and getting leadership buy-in?
A: In some organisations, there seems to be a disconnect between top-level policy and the sharing of those implications lower down the organisation. There seems to be a fear of 'getting it wrong' and not being supported with experimentation around environmental parameters, either through lack of awareness of institutional statements and policy, or ignorance about recent conservation science. Clear internal communication to support stated aims in practical ways is important, as is ensuring that staff are able to learn about recent conservation science through access to training and literature. Providing carbon literacy training to staff will help them understand the implications of their actions and decisions.
Q: Your research confirms that transport (especially air freight) and environmental controls are the biggest carbon drivers in international loans. Where do you see the greatest opportunities for rapid, sector-wide change in these areas, and what would it take to unlock them?
In the UK insurance is mistakenly seen as a driver here, so Arts Council England's work to clarify Government Indemnity guidance will definitely help. A commitment to consolidated shipments and an agreed predisposition against air freight and couriering could make a big difference.
Q. Many in the sector seem unaware of updated international guidance like the Bizot Protocol. Why do you think this knowledge gap exists, and how can networks like GCC help close it?
A: Sector bodies could do more to share the news of these kinds of updates. GCC can help simply by sharing the knowledge widely and at every opportunity.
Q: Your findings mention confusion in the sector around carbon tools and inconsistent methodologies as barriers to action. What would you suggest to help institutions choose, trust, and use carbon calculators more effectively?
A: The Exhibitions Group research showed that part of the issue is that people are overwhelmed by choice, so the first solution is not to create another new or bespoke solution! We recommend the use of the GCC tool alongside whatever existing carbon measurement tool organisations are already using - like Julie's Bicycle tool for National Portfolio Organisations. That sense of overwhelm is also down to carbon measurement being seen as 'another thing to do'. I think we need to see carbon budgeting as an integral part of managing work in the same way that financial budgeting already is.
Q: Finally, you highlighted the importance of rewriting loan agreements to embed sustainability from the outset. Can you share any examples of what a “climate-conscious” loan agreement might include and how institutions can begin making these changes?
A: I think Tate provide a good model by sharing in the first page of their loans policy a simple statement:
"Tate is committed to addressing the climate emergency and will consider the impact and sustainability of a loan request when assessing the request. We ask that borrowers outline where possible what steps they are taking to mitigate the impact of the transport and exhibition of the works. "
This kind of principled position then creates the environment for a case by case approach. This may be as effective as detailed stipulations like asking for lenders and borrowers to track and share data on transport emissions, share reusable packing resources and develop joint shipping routes.
About Reyahn:
As well as being part-time Executive Director of The Exhibitions Group, Reyahn King is a cultural consultant specialising in supporting organisations to develop strategy and public engagement. She is a member of the International Association of Facilitators and a qualified coach. Before working as a consultant Reyahn held senior positions in a range of heritage and museum organisations including as CEO of York Museums Trust and in National Trust for Scotland, the Heritage Fund and National Museums Liverpool.
