Green Museums: A New Era of Ecological Transition
The COVID-19 pandemic marked a turning point in the ecological transition of French museums. “The health crisis exploded environmental questions within the cultural world,” notes Aude Porcedda, a museologist and sociologist specializing in organizational management and change. While only a handful of museums were concerned with ecology in 2000, more initiatives like Change Now are signals of a changing landscape.
Urgency and Need for Change
The winds of change were felt with the publication of the report “Décarbonons la Culture” in late November 2021. Highlighting the vulnerability of French cultural institutions to energy and climate shocks, the Shift Project called on decision-makers to anticipate the unavoidable disappearance of carbon-based activities. This transition is challenging, given that a large French museum emits an average of nine thousand tons of CO2 annually, the same as eight hundred French citizens.
The Next Movement in Sustainable Museums
Regardless of the museum’s focus, the trend for sustainability is growing stronger. The Quai Branly-Jacques Chirac Museum, responsible for shedding light on the impact of ecosystem destruction, prioritizes environmental stewardship. Since 2014, it has actively worked on reducing the environmental footprint of its exhibitions. It’s part of a broader trend: écomuseums established in the 1960s and 70s are also pioneers in sustainable practices, emphasizing the necessity of reusing resources.
The Mucem in Marseille has similarly undergone a transformation, committing to a policy of reusing and reemploying 50% of materials for its exhibitions by 2025, inspired by its 2017 exhibition focused on waste economies. This reflects a broader cultural move towards sustainability.
Art Museums Joining the Environmental Movement
Art museums, previously less concerned with environmental issues, are now making significant strides. The Reims museums notably conducted a comprehensive environmental impact assessment in 2022. Similarly, the Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille is cited for its effective sustainable development policy. In 2020, the institution decided to focus more on its permanent collections to limit transportation emissions, as seen in their “Expérience Goya” exhibition.
International Pioneers and Emerging Models
Internationally, the Musée d’Ethnographie de Genève (MEG) is celebrated for receiving the THQSE label. It aims to minimize its carbon footprint by innovating sustainable techniques. The Baltimore Museum of Art has launched “Turn again to the Earth,” a strategic sustainable plan coinciding with its 110th anniversary, including a series of exhibitions on environmental topics.
Trends in Energy Efficiency and Cultural Transition
Museums are adopting energy-efficient measures: geothermal systems at the Domaine national de Versailles and LED lighting at various sites are just the start. The BMA encourages visitors to opt for low-emission transportation. Meanwhile, Paris Musées is developing an impact measurement platform, underscoring the importance of eco-design and minimizing shipping emissions.
Embracing Cultural and Lifestyle Changes
Eco-transitions require more than technical adjustments; they demand a cultural shift. As Anaïs Roesch of The Shift Project notes, it’s “essential to reflect on cultural transformations due to life changes and reconfigure our values, emotions, and imaginaries.” Raphaël Besson emphasizes the need for broad participation in cultural transition efforts.
FAQs
Why is the ecological transition important for museums?
Museums play a key role in raising public awareness about sustainability and combating climate change. By adopting eco-friendly practices, they set a responsible example for other institutions.
How can museums reduce their carbon footprint?
Museums can lower emissions by improving energy efficiency, using sustainable materials, promoting digital collections, and encouraging low-emission visitor transportation.
Future Forward
As museums worldwide continue to innovate, they lead the charge in combining cultural heritage with sustainability. They’re not just preserving art; they’re securing a sustainable future for generations to come.
Interested in learning more about sustainable practices in museums? Explore more articles on our website to deepen your understanding.
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