The new category at the Museums + Heritage Awards has been developed and launched in partnership with The National Lottery Heritage Fund, an organisation which now requires every project it supports to demonstrate the utmost commitment to prioritising sustainable practices.
At a time when many museums and heritage sites are declaring a climate emergency, the award will recognise the institution that has delivered the most outstanding environmentally sustainable initiative, project or exhibition of 2019.
“Urgent action needs to be taken for the future of our environment and it’s never been more important for us all to think, and act, sustainably through the work we all do in the heritage sector,” Isabel Hunt, executive director of business innovation and insight at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, asserted.
“We are delighted to launch The Sustainable Project of the Year award which will provide much-deserved recognition to the heritage organisations and projects which have made great strides, or indeed small but innovative steps, in reducing their environmental impact and committing to sustainability.”
How to apply
The Sustainable Project of the Year award is free to enter and will apply to projects or exhibitions which took place in 2019.
Judges will be looking for examples of best practice in managing environmental impacts, for example, considering energy efficiency, recycling and reuse of materials, sustainable procurement and green visitor travel planning.
Entrants will also be asked to identify wider economic, social or environmental benefits – to the museum or the community – which have arisen from ‘thinking sustainably’.
Submissions will take the form of a 500-word statement submitted on line and entries will be accepted until an extended deadline of Friday 21th February 2020. For full details visit the category page on the Museums + Heritage website.
“These awards recognise the amazing achievements, creativity, innovation, hard work and utter commitment evident throughout the museums and heritage sector,” Anna Preedy, director of Museums + Heritage Awards, stated.
“The awards have become the benchmark for excellence and the shortlistees and winners represent the very best of the best,” she added.
This year’s Museums + Heritage Awards will be held on 13th May. Full details can be found here.
