Wednesday 15 September 2021

V&A commits to net zero by 2035

The Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A) has committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2035.

It has pledged to reduce its Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 63% and decarbonise its energy centre by 2035.

Through its new sustainability plan, the V&A will purchase all electricity from renewable sources and implement a new low carbon travel policy for business travel and employee commuting that will see its carbon footprint drop by 30% by 2022.

The museum will incorporate a zero operational waste to landfill policy, more fully recycled materials and is working to set more stringent targets for its Scope 3 emissions, which it claims make up 90% of its total carbon footprint.

Sara Kassam, Sustainability Lead at the V&A, said: “The V&A was founded in a time of optimistic belief in the power of industry, a seminal point in history which we now know has had devastating consequences for our planet.

“At this critical moment in the climate and biodiversity crisis, it is absolutely the responsibility of the V&A, in collaboration with others, to demonstrate the incredible potential of art and science to build a sustainable future for all.

“Our research and commitments have been led by the words of William Morris who once wisely said, ‘we are only the trustees for those who come after us.”’