The RA’s buildings are now powered by 100% renewable energy and our spaces are almost exclusively lit by efficient LED lighting. Since 2018 we have been committed to ‘zero landfill’. We are in the final stages of attaining BREEAM ‘Very Good’ accreditation to certify the sustainability of our Burlington Gardens campus.
The RA’s exhibitions are increasingly being designed with an eye on sustainability. Travelling cases for works on loan are regularly being reused, as are the plinths and display cases, where possible. We are also looking to reduce our carbon impact in relation to the transportation of artworks for each exhibition. As much as possible we are looking to consolidate shipments.
Specifically, to reduce the environmental impact of our Summer Exhibition 2022 we have:
● Reused some of the plinths from the Summer Exhibition 2021.
● Consolidated shipments of works for Invited Artists works (with any others coming in on trucks scheduled for collecting empty crates). And, as most works come from the UK this limits the impact of transportation.
● Reduced environmental conditions. The Summer Exhibition does not have controlled environmental conditions, the temperature set in the Galleries is ‘comfort cooling’ only. This requires much less energy.
● Printed the Summer Exhibition ‘List of Works’ booklet with paper that has been carbon offset.
Looking ahead, we will be working to develop a detailed roadmap in order to deliver a net zero target ahead of the UK Government’s deadline of 2050.