In a world increasingly focused on climate change, taking sustainability seriously can give us a real advantage. For arts, culture and heritage organisations, prioritising the planet isn’t just about doing the right thing; it’s also about building resilience, attracting more funding, and strengthening our bond with the communities we serve.
Why climate action matters for us
As leaders in arts, culture and heritage, we are in a unique position to inspire and influence. People look to us to shape and interpret the stories that matter, and today, environmental responsibility is one of those crucial stories.
Audiences, funders, and communities expect us to not only talk about sustainability, but also show it in how we operate. By embedding climate action into our core practices, we can stay relevant and stand out in a crowded field.
The SME Climate Hub, a resource for small and medium-sized businesses aiming to cut carbon emissions, suggests that climate action should be a core part of governance—woven into the values and mission of an organisation. Adopting this approach can help us align with the evolving expectations of the public and funding bodies.
Boosting our resilience by reducing risks
Climate change brings challenges that can affect us directly, from extreme weather events to rising energy costs. Higher heating bills for indoor venues or unpredictable weather impacting outdoor events are realities we face. By adopting climate-friendly practices, we can protect ourselves against these challenges and future-proof our organisation.
Simple changes like switching to energy-efficient lighting, cutting down on waste, and using sustainable materials can lower our environmental impact and reduce costs, making our organisation more financially sustainable. Acting now also means we can avoid future headaches as governments introduce stricter environmental regulations. In other words, embracing sustainability isn’t just green; it’s smart.
The Charity Commission has created some useful guidance for charities who want to take steps to becoming more environmentally friendly.
Attracting funding by meeting expectations
Funding is competitive, and many funders are now prioritising organisations that show a clear commitment to climate responsibility. For example, Arts Council England has made environmental responsibility a key part of its funding criteria, encouraging organisations to monitor and reduce their carbon footprint, use sustainable materials, and manage resources responsibly.
Similarly, the National Lottery Heritage Fund has introduced a Protecting the Environment Investment Principle, encouraging organisations to embed environmental responsibility into their projects and operations.
Taking the SME Climate Hub’s advice to make climate action part of our core governance -like setting sustainability goals, involving the board, and integrating climate initiatives into decision-making – can all strengthen our appeal to funders. By showing a real commitment to sustainability, we can stand out in the funding landscape, align with public expectations, and position ourselves as a responsible, future-focused organisation.
Building stronger connections with our community
We often have deep ties with the communities we serve, and addressing climate issues can help us strengthen these connections. Today’s audiences want to support organisations that reflect their values, and sustainability is increasingly a top priority for them. By committing to eco-friendly practices, we can build loyalty and trust among our supporters. The results of the 2024 Act Green survey show that 72% of audiences think cultural organisations have a responsibility to influence society to make radical change in response to the climate emergency.
Climate action also opens up fresh programming opportunities that engage our communities on important issues. Whether it’s an exhibition, performance, a creative workshop centred around environmental themes, or a capital project, we have a chance to educate, raise awareness, and bring people together around these issues.
Making climate action part of our governance
Making climate action a governance priority means building it into the way make decisions and run our organisation. This could look be through a climate committee, designating a board member to lead on sustainability, or discussing climate action regularly at board meetings.
Setting clear and measurable climate goals—like reducing energy use or waste—is key to showing we’re serious about making a difference. This transparency reassures funders, audiences, and communities that we’re not just talking about sustainability but are genuinely committed to it.
Creating an environmental sustainability policy will ensure staff, volunteers and participants are aware of their roles in implementing eco-friendly practices, the specific actions they can take to support sustainability initiatives, the resources and training available to them, and the positive impact of their contributions on the environment and the community.
There are a range of resources to help you create an environmental sustainability policy including Charity Digital, The National Lottery Community Fund, and Julie’s Bicycle
Inspiring change beyond your organisation
You have a unique power to inspire others. By creating programmes around climate issues—whether through performances, exhibitions, or educational initiatives—you can reach people on a personal level, sparking discussions and actions that extend beyond your walls.
As a sector, we can also serve as a role model for others by sharing our own sustainable practices and showing that eco-friendly operations are achievable. By demonstrating how climate action can be part of everyday operations and programming, we can encourage other organisations in arts and culture to adopt similar approaches, creating a ripple effect that amplifies our impact.
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