For many organisations, measuring carbon emissions can feel like yet another admin exercise: ticking boxes, filling spreadsheets, and hoping it somehow makes a difference. But the evidence from the visual arts sector tells a different story. GCC’s recent Stocktake Report shows that measurement can drive real action, and measurable impact.

Among GCC members who have been tracking their emissions since 2019,89% have reduced their carbon footprint, and roughly four in five of these have reduced by 25% or more, putting them on track to halve emissions by 2030. These numbers are a clear signal: when organisations measure, plan, and act, emissions fall.

But how does measurement lead to meaningful change? Tracking emissions gives organisations a clear baseline, helping them identify the areas of highest impact. From energy use in gallery spaces to travel policies for touring exhibitions, understanding where emissions come from allows targeted interventions that deliver results. But measurement alone is not enough. As exemplified by GCC’s early members, it must be paired with ambitious planning and follow-through action.

However, the Stocktake Report also highlights a critical challenge. While progress is being made, it is not yet happening at the pace or scale required to meet the demands of the climate crisis. Many organisations still face barriers that inhibit reporting and climate action: limited resources, competing priorities, or lack of internal expertise. The report encourages organisations to view these challenges not as obstacles, but as opportunities to innovate, collaborate, and embed climate action into their operations in efficient and regenerative ways.

The takeaway is clear: progress is possible, but intentionality matters. Measuring emissions is not a one-off task; it is the foundation for carbon literacy, informed decision-making, meaningful reduction strategies, and long-term transformation. 

Organisations that commit to this cycle of measure–plan–act are not only reducing their environmental impact, they are also leading the sector toward a sustainable future.

The GCC Stocktake Report offers a comprehensive overview of this progress, illustrating the power of data-driven action across a vast array of visual arts organisations. It is a resource for anyone seeking to understand how emissions measurement translates into real-world reductions and what it takes to accelerate change in the cultural sector.

Read the full Stocktake Report to learn more about the findings and how your organisation can take meaningful climate action.