In a time where sustainability is at the forefront of global discussions, many of the world’s top museums are taking charge over their environmental footprint and overall sustainability. Museums are repositories of culture, history, and art, and have in the past 10 years become institutions that advocate a more sustainable future. While many of these institutions house exhibits that showcase some of the world’s most pristine and biodiverse ecosystems, museums also have to ‘walk the talk’, to ensure that the message that they communicate is not in contrast to their ways of working. Let’s explore some of the exemplary museums that are walking the walk when it comes to sustainability.
The California Academy of Sciences, USA
In San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, the California Academy of Sciences stands out not just for its fascinating exhibits but also for its architecture and design, which largely incorporates elements of biomimicry and ecological design. Biomimicry emulates design in nature, which is resource and energy efficient. This establishment boasts a living roof covered in native plants, which not only insulates the building but also reduces stormwater runoff and provides habitat for local wildlife. Additionally, the academy utilizes solar panels, recycles rainwater, and employs energy-efficient technologies, making it a model of modern day biomimicry.
The Natural History Museum, UK
In London, the Natural History Museum is not only dedicated to the study of the natural world but also to its preservation. The museum has taken significant strides towards sustainability by reducing its carbon footprint through energy-efficient systems, such as solar power and optimizing heating and cooling systems. The Natural History Museum is aiming to reach net-zero (having no carbon footprint) as fast as possible. To do this they have designed and implemented a ‘Sustainable by Nature’ plan which looks at every point of their operation that is responsible for emitting carbon. This includes everything from staff transport to waste management systems. While the UK government is aiming to achieve a net-zero carbon footprint by 2050, the Natural History Museum is aiming for 2035.
The Museum of Tomorrow, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The Museum of Tomorrow has one of the world’s most interesting and smartest energy systems. It features solar panels that move with the sun’s position in the sky, having the ability to harness the sun’s full capacity throughout the day. This is the first of its kind in museum infrastructure design. The museum also has a smart air conditioning and water recycling system. The air conditioning uses water from the nearby Guanabara Bay, cleaning it in the process. Rainwater is also collected and used on-site. As a result of this design, the museum saves around 9.6 million litres of water and 2,400 megawatt-hours of electricity per year.
With sustainability being featured as a key priority across sectors, sustainability, ecological design, biomimicry and energy efficient solutions will become the norm. By embracing these practices and design, these institutions not only reduce their environmental impacts but also inspire visitors to reflect on their own roles in preserving our planet for future generations. As we continue to confront the challenges of climate change and environmental degradation, these museums serve as models for sustainable design.
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In a time where sustainability is at the forefront of global discussions, many of the world’s top museums are taking charge over their environmental footprint and overall sustainability. Museums are repositories of culture, history, and art, and have in the past 10 years become institutions that advocate a more sustainable future.
- In San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, the California Academy of Sciences stands out not just for boasting a living roof covered in native plants, which not only insulates the building but also reduces stormwater runoff and provides habitat for local wildlife.
- The Natural History Museum in London has taken significant strides towards sustainability by reducing its carbon footprint through energy-efficient systems, such as solar power and optimizing heating and cooling systems.
- The Natural History Museum is aiming to reach net-zero (having no carbon footprint) as fast as possible. To do this they have designed and implemented a ‘Sustainable by Nature’ plan which looks at every point of their operation that is responsible for emitting carbon.
- The Museum of Tomorrow has one of the world’s most interesting and smartest energy systems. It features solar panels that move with the sun’s position in the sky, having the ability to harness the sun’s full capacity throughout the day.
- With sustainability being featured as a key priority across sectors, sustainability, ecological design, biomimicry and energy efficient solutions will become the norm.
