In recent years, the concept of sustainability has become increasingly important across various sectors, including museums. Cultural institutions and museums serve as repositories by safeguarding invaluable artefacts and artworks. In the face of a collective need to develop responses to climate change, museums are increasingly recognising the need to balance preservation efforts with environmental responsibility. While preservation is at the core of what museums do, adopting environmentally sustainable practices is how museums are gearing themselves for the future to respond to imminent threats of climate change. This article explores the ways in which museums are embracing sustainability practices to minimise their environmental impact while continuing to fulfill their vital role in preserving and showcasing cultural heritage. It highlights several key initiatives implemented by museums in India toward this end.
One of the key areas where museums are consciously directing their efforts in sustainability is in energy efficiency. Many museums are implementing measures to reduce energy consumption and minimize their carbon footprint. This includes upgrading lighting systems to energy-efficient LED bulbs, installing solar panels to generate renewable energy, and implementing smart heating and cooling systems to optimise energy usage. By adopting these technologies, museums can significantly reduce their energy consumption and operating costs while also lowering their greenhouse gas emissions.
Another important aspect of sustainability in museums is waste reduction and recycling. Museums generate a significant amount of waste from packaging materials, exhibition installations, and visitor amenities. To minimise waste, many museums are implementing recycling programs, composting organic waste, and sourcing eco-friendly materials for exhibitions and displays. Some museums are even repurposing discarded materials into new artworks or educational resources, demonstrating their commitment to sustainability and creativity.
Water conservation is a priority for museums, particularly in regions prone to drought or water scarcity. Museums are implementing water-saving measures such as installing low-flow faucets and toilets, harvesting rainwater for irrigation, and using recycled water for non-potable purposes. These initiatives not only reduce water consumption but also contribute to the overall conservation of this precious resource.
In addition to operational changes, museums are rethinking their approach to exhibitions to promote sustainability and environmental awareness. Within their walls, museums are incorporating themes of climate change, biodiversity, and conservation into their exhibitions, educating visitors about pressing environmental issues and inspiring them to take action. Museums are also collaborating with local communities and environmental organisations to develop outreach programs and events focused on sustainability, fostering dialogue and engagement on these topics.
Museums are increasingly embracing sustainable practices in their collections management and conservation efforts. This includes using environmentally friendly storage materials, adopting green cleaning practices, and implementing climate control measures to protect artefacts from temperature and humidity fluctuations. By prioritising the long-term preservation of their collections in a sustainable manner, museums can ensure that future generations can continue to learn from and be inspired by our shared cultural heritage.
In India, museums are taking significant steps towards sustainability. The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS) has implemented a comprehensive Green Policy, focusing on sustainable practices such as solar energy utilisation, LED lighting, water conservation and harvesting, waste management, and a no-plastic approach. Recognised for its global leadership in environmental management, CSMVS received the highest PLATINUM Rating under the Existing Building category from the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) in 2019. CSMVS stands out as one of the first museums worldwide to attain this prestigious distinction while being located in a heritage building. Solar panels installed in three phases generate over 67,000 units of electricity annually, resulting in significant cost savings. Waste management has been improved with the installation of a composite machine for recycling biodegradable waste into manure for museum gardens, along with segregation bins and a plastic bottle recycler. The implementation of larger water tanks has elevated rainwater harvesting efforts, resulting in the collection of over 80,000 litres of rainwater daily and 29 million litres annually. Air conditioning requirements in the museum are met by a chiller plant that works on a non-CFC gas based system and is environment-friendly. Air monitoring devices track greenhouse gas emissions, while bio-friendly cleaning agents are employed for surface cleaning.
The Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum in Pune has significantly reduced its energy consumption by 60% through the installation of solar panels on its rooftop and the implementation of energy-efficient LED lighting. These green initiatives have not only lowered the museum’s carbon footprint but also demonstrate its commitment to sustainability. Looking at the scope for water conservation, the museum has adopted measures such as rainwater harvesting and wastewater recycling to minimize water usage. These efforts showcase the museum’s dedication towards carrying out environmental responsibility.
The Regional Museum of Natural History (RMNH) in Bhubaneswar has implemented several key green initiatives to promote sustainability. It is equipped with Odisha’s largest rooftop solar power plant, generating 189.2 KvA of solar power since 2015, leading to 80-100% reliance on solar energy. The museum has a rainwater harvesting system, recharging approximately 300,000 liters of groundwater annually. Drawing inspiration from the concept of “replenishing what one takes from nature,” RMNH is the first museum in India to utilise bio-decomposers since 2008, accelerating the decomposition of green waste for vermi-composting. The compost and vermi-wash made from bio-decomposers is used for replenishing the museum garden. The museum holds the distinction of being Odisha’s first declared plastic-free government campus since May 2018, with stringent penalties for plastic littering. RMNH promotes recycling by utilising a unique technique to create 100% biodegradable exhibits and models, reducing plastic use by approximately 800-900 kg. These life-sized models, including those of Stingray, King Cobra, Baby Giraffe, Komodo Dragon, and Silverback Gorilla, offer touch-and-feel activities for interactive learning. The museum utilizes organic and sustainable preventive materials to protect the models from pests and fungus, ensuring their longevity and environmental friendliness. These include– Sodium Bicarbonate for fungus, Essential oils and Cupric Sulfate for insects and DIY traps to catch rodents.
These initiatives demonstrate the commitment of India’s museums towards sustainability in the cultural sector. It shows their understanding and responsibility towards collections with respect to the museum building and the environment.
Overall, sustainability is becoming increasingly integral to the mission of museums worldwide. By embracing energy efficiency, waste reduction, water conservation, and environmentally conscious programming, museums can reduce their environmental impact while continuing to preserve and showcase cultural heritage for future generations. As repositories of multitudinous histories and infinite expressions of human creativity, museums have a unique opportunity to lead by example and inspire positive change towards a more sustainable future.
Sources:
- https://conserv.io/blog/led-lighting-for-museums-conservation-sustainability/
- https://www.iberdrola.com/culture/sustainable-museum
- https://blooloop.com/sustainability/in-depth/sustainable-museums/
- https://culture360.asef.org/insights/green-lens-from-the-perspective-of-indian-museums-a-case-study-of-csmvs/
- https://csmvs.in/csmvs-green-museum/
- https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/pune-news/raja-dinkar-kelkar-museum-goes-green-conserves-60-energy-101653501574219.html
- http://nmnh.nic.in/show_content.php?lang=1&level=2&ls_id=86&lid=69
- https://www.brainwareuniversity.ac.in/brainwave/archive/pdf/Vol-3-Issue-3-Sep-2022/DM_V3_2022%20Formated.pdf
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