Ethical debate: Climate change
Global warming is a growing concern. Museums highlight environmental issues through exhibitions and education initiatives. But are they taking enough practical action to ‘make best use of resources, use energy and materials responsibly and minimise waste?’ (8.2, Code of Ethics)
The National Trust has been conscious of the need to mitigate climate change, as well as to adapt to its impacts. As well as the actions that have been taken to minimise the effects of flooding, torrential rainfall, higher summer temperatures and changes in the ranges and number of insect pests, the trust has been assessing energy consumption.
For the 2006-07 financial year, we aim to cut energy usage at properties by 10 per cent. This will mean ensuring that electricity, gas and oil meters are read regularly to raise staff awareness.
Several energy-saving measures have been introduced, including the use of low-energy lightbulbs, fitting insulation in historic buildings, the installation of boilers with controls that minimise energy usage, and the use of renewable energy including photovoltaics, and wind and water turbines.
For the period of the next strategic plan, 2007-10, and beyond, the strategic aim is to reduce our environmental footprint. We will set targets for reducing water usage and waste generation.
This will mean looking at all aspects of our operation, including catering, retail and day-to-day property management.
Sarah Staniforth, historic properties director, National Trust
The Prince of Wales believes everyone needs to consider the impact of their activities on the environment. The Prince not only speaks regularly about environmental issues, but he also seeks to practise what he preaches.
His household endeavours to limit its activities’ impact on the environment. Staff engage in environmentally friendly practices such as recycling and energy saving, and use energy-efficient means of transport.
The household offsets its carbon emissions by investing in sustainable energy projects and energy efficiency initiatives.
Gemma Entwistle, inventory controller to the royal household, The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall
The museum sector is moving in the right direction, as our collective experience develops and is shared and analysed, and best practice identified and built on.
But sustainable development is a dynamic and wide-reaching process that cannot be fully addressed in the short term. For this reason, there will always be areas of concern that could be better addressed and new challenges, especially in relation to a phenomenon such as global warming.
Jonathan Potts, senior specialist, marine environment, National Maritime Museum
The National Trust has been conscious of the need to mitigate climate change, as well as to adapt to its impacts. As well as the actions that have been taken to minimise the effects of flooding, torrential rainfall, higher summer temperatures and changes in the ranges and number of insect pests, the trust has been assessing energy consumption.
For the 2006-07 financial year, we aim to cut energy usage at properties by 10 per cent. This will mean ensuring that electricity, gas and oil meters are read regularly to raise staff awareness.
Several energy-saving measures have been introduced, including the use of low-energy lightbulbs, fitting insulation in historic buildings, the installation of boilers with controls that minimise energy usage, and the use of renewable energy including photovoltaics, and wind and water turbines.
For the period of the next strategic plan, 2007-10, and beyond, the strategic aim is to reduce our environmental footprint. We will set targets for reducing water usage and waste generation.
This will mean looking at all aspects of our operation, including catering, retail and day-to-day property management.
Sarah Staniforth, historic properties director, National Trust
The Prince of Wales believes everyone needs to consider the impact of their activities on the environment. The Prince not only speaks regularly about environmental issues, but he also seeks to practise what he preaches.
His household endeavours to limit its activities’ impact on the environment. Staff engage in environmentally friendly practices such as recycling and energy saving, and use energy-efficient means of transport.
The household offsets its carbon emissions by investing in sustainable energy projects and energy efficiency initiatives.
Gemma Entwistle, inventory controller to the royal household, The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall
The museum sector is moving in the right direction, as our collective experience develops and is shared and analysed, and best practice identified and built on.
But sustainable development is a dynamic and wide-reaching process that cannot be fully addressed in the short term. For this reason, there will always be areas of concern that could be better addressed and new challenges, especially in relation to a phenomenon such as global warming.
Jonathan Potts, senior specialist, marine environment, National Maritime Museum
