The Museum of London is the leading museum for London. Understanding the environmental impacts of our activities and reducing these where possible is an important element of being a leading museum and an area where we are committed to continual improvement.In the following areas Museum of London will;

Management and legislation

• develop and continually improve its information gathering, target setting and reporting on environmental issues
• reflect environmental and sustainability issues in its public programme (exhibitions, events, activities) where relevant
• encourage all staff to work in an environmentally responsible manner and to contribute to improving performance
• ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, statutory regulation and codes of practice from Display Energy Certificates to disposal of hazardous materials

Resource consumption (energy and water)

• monitor its energy and water consumption regularly
• seek to implement energy and water efficient solutions as part of maintenance upgrades and major refurbishment projects
• continually raise staff awareness and encourage a culture of responsible energy usage
• use harvested rainwater for toilets where possible and for all garden irrigation
• continue to look for ways to improve the energy efficiency of stores
• monitor, maintain and run environmental control equipment at an optimum level reducing energy wastage
• reduce its carbon footprint through a combination of the measures in this policy

The three ‘R’s (reducing, re-using, recycling) and waste management

• increase the use of our website as a source of information rather than printed materials
• reduce waste through minimising consumption, re-using and recycling
• provide recycling containers and bins, and recycle paper, cardboard, glass, plastics (as accepted), cans and tins as a minimum at all sites
• consider alternative options for equipment and materials before disposal
• minimise the use of chemicals harmful to the environment to a level consistent with the needs to properly
• and safely conserve objects
• dispose of used and surplus chemicals in a safe and responsible manner using licensed contractors

Building and refurbishment

• require all new building and refurbishment work to improve environmental performance through design, construction and operation for both public and back of house areas
• carry out energy and environment appraisals and assessments in line with best practice when refurbishing premises
• maintain high standards of energy and environmental management, including noise
• ensure the Museum will not contaminate soil, ground and surface water from buildings, building materials or gas
• require tenders, where necessary, to specify what Environmental or Waste Management Systems have been put in place and to monitor these

Procurement

• aim to balance sustainability considerations with Value for Money principles
• ensure materials used and goods purchased derive, where possible and relevant, from sustainable sources
• work with catering partners to offer organic and fair-trade food and drink where possible
• consider the sustainability policies and practices of suppliers and contractors
• ensure all paper and printed materials for general use are, as a minimum, Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) certified

Travel and transport

• encourage the use of public transport by staff and visitors
• support cycling and car sharing initiatives
• limit journeys by Museum vehicles to essential operational requirements
• ensure Museum vehicles are maintained to ensure they run economically
• consider different transport options when moving objects on loan, whilst ensuring care of collections

Approved by the Museum of London Executive Committee in February 2011