• Overview

    For a fuller understanding of sustainable shipping practices and our extended guidelines on sustainable shipping, please click here.

     

    Whether transport is local or international, significant carbon savings can be made by following a few simple steps:

    1. Plan ahead to take advantage of low carbon transit options.

    2. Reduce the frequency of shipments by consolidating deliveries wherever possible.

    3. Start conversations with your shipping and insurance companies. Let them know you are interested in sustainable options.

    4. Communicate with artists and clients about your plans and the positive impacts they will have. It is important to highlight that this may have an impact on a project's schedule and that collection / delivery plans must be adjusted accordingly.

    5. Prioritise consolidated road and sea freight over air, for local and international shipments. Remember that any reduction in air freight is a positive step.

     

     

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    Local Transport

    Easy and cost-effective changes to local transportation methods can also improve sustainability. Most couriers now offer electric bike options for short distance transport. These have the capability to carry several framed artworks or small paintings and sculptures around a city. Check with your couriers to see what options and insurance policies are available. More often than not these services cost the same as fossil fuel vehicles and have a negligible impact on time.

     

    Increasingly, art handlers and shipping companies offer low carbon or electric options for last-mile deliveries. These services should be prioritised. If companies do not offer sustainable local options, ask them why not? 

     

    When making bookings, ask couriers and shippers to reduce unnecessary packaging materials and to reuse wherever possible.

     

    List of London-based green & low carbon delivery services:

     

    We want to hear from you!

    If you work for a shipping company please contact us with information about your low carbon routes and other environmentally conscious products or services via info@galleryclimatecoalition.org.

     

    If you or your organisation is based in London and you would like to contribute to this research please get in touch via info@galleryclimatecoalition.org.

     

    We have set up a London WhatsApp group for technicians and registrars to discuss ideas for sustainable shipping and packaging. To join this group please contact info@galleryclimatecoalition.org

     

     

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    Further Reading