Energy policy

The Natural History Museum's mission is to create advocates for the planet, envisioning and enabling a future where both people and the planet thrive. 

The Museum is a world-renowned museum of natural history. We are engaged in the storage, collection, public viewing, scientific research, marketing and communications associated with natural history specimens.

Provision of suitable environmental conditions for collections is a priority. We are committed to continual improvements in energy efficiency and reduction of emissions in all areas of operation across all sites, through our objective to set a Science Based Target for emissions reductions and our Environmental Management System (EMS), certified to ISO14001. 

This policy will be reviewed periodically to ensure its ongoing suitability for the Museum. 

Aims

1. Establish and maintain systematic procedures for monitoring energy consumption and associated carbon emissions across all sites with the overall aim to improve performance.
2. Commit to the continual development of control mechanisms, ensuring that the correct operating and maintenance procedures of all plant and equipment in both front and back of house areas (including galleries and exhibitions) focus on the reduction of energy consumption and carbon emissions where practical.
3. Establish and maintain a link between the Museum and Government bodies, with the aim of aligning our activities to national and local carbon emissions reduction targets and initiatives.
4. Develop staff awareness and provide training on the benefits of energy efficiency especially in key areas of the business.
5. Invest in a rolling programme of energy saving measures and commit to cost-effective energy efficiency projects across the Museum. Incorporate energy efficiency measures into all our activities, including those of our contractors and suppliers.
6. To require energy efficient equipment in tender specifications and communicate guidance on new and innovative technologies to relevant departments.
7. Manage the procurement of energy and fuel to use the best value tariffs and utilise tariffs including renewable energy where possible.
8. Ensure that plant equipment and machinery are regularly maintained to ensure efficient operation.
9. The Museum will concentrate on limiting and reducing energy demand and related emissions.

Responsibilities

Executive Board

• Overall responsibility to ensure that this energy policy is effectively applied across the Museum.

Head of Estates

• Overall responsibility to ensure that the energy policy is effectively applied by all employees, contractors and other visitors.
• Will receive reports and recommendations from the Energy and Sustainability Manager on matters concerning energy management issues.

Head of Sustainability

• Review all energy related policies periodically to revise and implement objectives and targets and to ensure a process of continual improvement. Make the policies available to staff and public.
• Advise on and ensure the Museum has adequate systems in place to ensure good energy and emissions management practices are upheld.
• Advise on all aspects of energy and emissions management and conservation in the design and use of buildings, plant and equipment.
• Maintain contact with energy efficiency agencies and professional bodies, keep up to date with current technologies, practices, and current and impending legislation.
• Ensure the Museum complies with the EUETS scheme.
• Produce energy management reports providing details of energy and emissions performance against published indicators and highlighting opportunities.

Line managers 

• Ensure their Department complies with this energy policy and that energy use is managed responsibly and emissions are minimised.
• Liaise with the Energy and Sustainability Manager and ensure that any new activity minimises its energy usage and associated carbon emissions. All areas must provide on request a full asset register of devices currently affecting energy usage and associated emissions within the Museum.

All employees of the Museum

• All employees are required to understand and comply with the Museum's energy policy.
• Where relevant, all staff to undertake energy impact assessments on projects that they are initiating. Contact the Head of Sustainability for advice/assistance if necessary.

Contractors, suppliers and departmental visitors

• Staff responsible for the presence of contractors, suppliers and departmental visitors on Museum premises are responsible for ensuring they comply with this energy policy.
• Contractors, suppliers and visitors are required to co-operate fully in achieving the aims of this energy policy.