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Sustainability at the National Gallery

As the National Gallery enters its third century, it is developing a comprehensive plan for a sustainable Gallery. The plan will align with our conservation goals, to protect our paintings for future generations.  

A sustainable Gallery is: 

  • A Gallery that as it seeks to grow, is environmentally responsible and committed to the reduction of our carbon footprint. 
  • A Gallery that is a leader in academic research that considers energy efficiency and decarbonisation in historic buildings, and the specific needs of conserving the paintings held within them. 
  • A Gallery that engages with a broad, inclusive audience, in a rich and open cultural dialogue, and explores the link between our paintings and sustainability themes and messages. 

The Gallery’s approach to delivering this vision is based on four strategic objectives: 

Reduction

Image: Detail of Ferdinand Hodler, The Kien Valley with the Bluemlisalp Massif, 1902

Reduce our carbon footprint by integrating sustainable values and processes throughout the Gallery’s operations. Proactively push forward decarbonisation initiatives, creating opportunities for innovation in our historic setting, both for new capital projects and our everyday operations. 

Innovation

Image: Camille Pissarro, 'The Boulevard Montmartre at Night', 1897

Develop sustainability innovations that can be applied in the Gallery, and across the sector, using our collective expertise in research and development. 

Build sustainability into our scientific research strategy and contribute to the global shift towards a sustainable future for museums and galleries.

Resilience

Image: Claude Monet, 'The Thames below Westminster', about 1871

Work to make sure the Gallery continues to thrive in the net zero future. Ensuring continued access to our collection for future generations by aligning our operations with the requirements of the galleries of the future.  

Ensuring the Gallery has mitigated risks from the effects of climate change and can adapt to future challenges.

Connection

Image: Joaquín Sorolla, 'Valencian Fishermen', 1895. © the Broere Charitable Foundation

Building connection and collaboration to develop environmental understanding and inform environmental action and solutions.  

Working with our visitors and audiences to develop an environmental strand in programming. Connecting our collection, exhibitions and learning events with environmental themes, to increase understanding of local and global issues. 

Collaborating with our fellow museums and galleries to affect change on a greater scale with city, borough, and local community initiatives. Developing and communicating the connection between environmental sustainability and our historic building and collection.