| Buildings & Operations |
| The Green Museums Initiative |
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| Things You Can Do Today |
| "Not all museums are planning a new building or a remodel, but all can operate sustainably." |
With global climate change and the potential loss of natural resources on
the horizon, it is imperative that museums utilize their platform of
knowledge and inspiration to take the lead in environmental stewardship
through sustainable building and operations.
Why is it important to be green?
Museums occupy physical space, just like any other structure, but their
intention is unique in that they inform and inspire visitors from all walks of
life about this beautiful and diverse world in which we live. Whether the
theme is culture, the arts, space or ecology and conservation, all museums
have the opportunity to set an example in environmental stewardship and
social responsibility by building and operating green.
According to the U.S. Green Building Council, buildings account for 38
percent of all carbon dioxide emissions and 72 percent of electricity
consumption. By building and operating sustainably, museums will reduce
these numbers and improve the quality of life for employees, visitors and
the surrounding ecologies upon which we all depend. Going green will also
lower operating expenses and increase the value of the facility. These
benefits are not exclusive to new or remodeled buildings. All museums
have the opportunity to save the planet while reducing costs by greening
day-to-day operations.
How can we be more green?
Green or sustainable building means that the process of construction and
the operation of the facility will utilize fewer natural resources in a more
efficient manner.
If a new building or remodel is in a museum’s future, the project teams and
architects can achieve sustainability with the help of the U.S. Green
Building Council (USGBC). A nonprofit organization, the USGBC is a group
of leaders who are dedicated to making green buildings a reality worldwide.
The council uses a leading-edge system for designing, constructing,
renovating, operating and certifying the world’s greenest buildings called
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design® (LEED). Widely
acknowledged as the benchmark for sustainable design and architecture,
LEED® uses the USGBC’s Green Building Rating System™ to give green
builders a series of points for each sustainable architectural or design tactic
used. For example, the use of recycled content and proper stormwater
management in the construction of a facility will each be worth a point.
Not all museums are planning a new building or a remodel, but all can
operate sustainably. Greening the everyday operation of the facility does
not have to break the bank. In the grand scheme of things, many green
actions will lower the day-to-day operating expenses.
No matter what the theme or size of the museum, all of these facilities have
the platform and the opportunity to educate the public about and to set the
standard for environmental stewardship.
What should be our goal?
The goal should be to minimize the facility’s environmental footprint
during the planning, constructing and operating phases.
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