Practical realities of the transition to a net zero future by Dr Nick Merriman OBE
Focusing on the practical reality of the transition to a net zero future, bringing to life the opportunities for our sector to lead positive change. Dr Nick Merriman OBE is the incoming CEO of English Heritage. He was instrumental in the first UK Museum COP held at Tate Modern on 31 October 2023, organised by the National Museums Directors Council. This groundbreaking event secured consensus from museum leaders on collective action to decarbonise the sector and mitigate the impacts of the climate and biodiversity crises. Dr Merriman is also the editor of the recently published Museums and the Climate Crisis, which includes a series of challenging papers on how museums can respond to the interrelated global climate, biodiversity and pollution crises.
Resources and on-demand sessions
This pilot programme aims to guide conservators through a strategic and operational overview of environmental sustainability as it affects our sector.
The videos below can be watched on-demand and the information can be tailored to the individual’s needs and context. The PDFs and documents support the subjects addressed in the videos.
Please find the password in the IIC Net Zero Pilot Project Participant Manual emailed to all registered participants. If you would like to join the programme, please register here. If you have any questions, please get in touch: marina.herriges@iiconservation.org.
Welcome to the IIC Net Zero Pilot Programme with Julian Bickersteth
Welcome to the IIC Net Zero Pilot Programme by Julian Bickersteth, IIC President. Aligned with the work that IIC has been doing, the programme comes to reinforce our commitment to sustainability. Join us on this programme that provides a range of tools for all our colleagues around the world.
IIC Environmental Sustainability Statement and Carbon Analysis IIC
ICOM-CC and ICCROM Joint Commitment for Climate Action
IIC and ICOM-CC Joint Declaration for Environmental Guidelines
Understanding Net Zero with Viola Omina
In this session, Viola Omina welcomes participants to the IIC Net Zero Pilot Programme and introduces Net Zero. Viola discusses concepts related to Net zero, highlighting official bodies in the quest for Net Zero. Viola also speaks about Race to Zero and how it is connected to Net Zero and climate science. (Video lenght 21'55")
Setting your target with Viola Omina
In this session, Viola Omina explains what a Net Zero target means, how we can set these targets, and the steps towards your pledge: Commit, Develop, Submit, Communicate and Disclose. Viola also explains the characteristics of a good Net Zero target, how to address Tier 1, 2 and 3 and build a transition plan. At the end, Viola gives some tips on how to set a durable and sustainable Net Zero plan. (video length 17'42")
Developing your strategy and auditing with Amanda Pagliarino
In this session, Amanda Pagliarino speaks about how to set up a strategy to reach your Net Zero goal and how to think about your own circumstances and actions that will match to specific contexts. Amanda talks about the importance of auditing direct and indirect carbon footprint and give some ideas related to the museum world. Coming from Australia, the global frontrunner in getting to grips with Net Zero and carbon reduction strategies, Amanda also shows some examples that come from her professional context and the work she has developed with her colleagues at the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA), in Australia. (Video length 10'38")
Action Plan with Amanda Pagliarino
In this session, Amanda Pagliarino explains the different sections of the environmental action plan and gives some examples of key areas of the action plan. Amanda uses her context in Australia to illustrate some examples that were developed at the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA), in Australia. (video length 7'32")
The voice to advocate for culture in every climate conversation with Sarah Sutton
In this session, Sarah Sutton shares her thoughts on advocacy (why and how we should do this together). Sarah gives some examples based on her work context in the United States and shows some other relevant initiatives that make people take the lead on the climate change agenda. Sarah also explains the idea behind transparency and agency and speaks about how to work with others at different levels to make sure everyone is on board with the work towards Net Zero. (video length: 25'36")
STiCH - Tools for Informed Sustainable Choices in Cultural Heritage
Business and Leadership in Times of Change with Viola Omina
In this session, Viola Omina highlights how businesses can contribute to the climate agenda and commit to the Net Zero goal. Viola shows how data and science-based targets can be an ally in achieving the goal and how to take the lead on this. Opportunities and challenges for the culture sector are also discussed during the session. (video lenght 25'03")
The experience of a commercial conservation practice in tackling their own Net Zero pathway with Julian Bickersteth
In this session, Julian Bickersteth speaks about his experience setting up Net Zero within his own conservation business, International Conservation Services Limited. Julian shows how they have been changing their work regarding energy and water consumption, supplies, and others. He also briefly explains about assessing carbon emissions and aiming to be carbon neutral by 2028.
Decarbonizing Culture with Viola Omina
In this session, Viola Omina speaks about how businesses can work towards Net Zero and align their mission and vision towards this goal. Viola highlights how Net Zero can sustainably generate revenue and how businesses can work towards tier/scope 3 by engaging with their supply chain. Lastly, Viola goes through the power of cultural institutions/businesses in the work towards Net Zero. (video length 17'30")
Webinar Opportunities, Leadership and Business in times of change
Opportunities, Leadership and Business in times of change webinar was host in partnership with Julie’s Bicycle represented by Claire Buckley. Good governance, through the lens of climate and ecological action, addresses the long-term resilience and sustainability of all facets of an organisation – from its values, public positioning and stakeholder engagement to its financial investment and business planning. In the midst of the interconnected crises, we find ourselves in (health, economic, environmental), there is an increasing recognition that change goes beyond technological innovation to include democratization of decision-making and cultural transformation.