Introduction

Decarbonisation refers to the process of reducing or eliminating carbon emissions from various sectors of the economy, including transportation, energy, agriculture, and industry. It is a critical step towards mitigating the impacts of climate change, which include rising temperatures, sea levels, extreme weather events, and loss of biodiversity. The cultural sector, which includes libraries, archives, museums, and other cultural activities, also has a role to play in decarbonisation. This article explores the importance of decarbonisation in the cultural sector, the main sources of carbon emissions, ways to reduce emissions, challenges facing decarbonisation, and implications for the sector.

Importance of Decarbonisation in the Cultural Sector

The cultural sector contributes to carbon emissions through various activities, such as lighting, heating, cooling, ventilation, transportation, and exhibitions. According to a report by Julie's Bicycle, a UK-based environmental charity, the cultural sector in the UK alone produces 5.2 million tonnes of CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent) per year, which is equivalent to the emissions from 1.2 million cars. This figure includes direct emissions from energy use and indirect emissions from the supply chain, waste, and water use.

Decarbonisation in the cultural sector is important for several reasons. First, it is a moral and ethical imperative to reduce the sector's contribution to climate change, which affects the most vulnerable communities and ecosystems. Second, it is a legal obligation under international agreements such as the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to below 2°C above pre-industrial levels. Third, it is a strategic opportunity to demonstrate leadership, innovation, and collaboration in the cultural sector, which can inspire and engage audiences, stakeholders, and policymakers.

Main Sources of Carbon Emissions in the Cultural Sector

The main sources of carbon emissions in the cultural sector are energy use, transportation, waste, and water use. Energy use includes electricity, gas, and other fuels used for lighting, heating, cooling, and ventilation of cultural buildings and facilities. Transportation includes staff and visitor travel to and from cultural venues, as well as the transport of goods and materials for exhibitions and events. Waste includes the disposal of materials such as paper, plastic, and food waste, as well as the emissions from waste treatment facilities. Water use includes the consumption of water for irrigation, cleaning, and other purposes, as well as the emissions from water treatment and distribution.

According to the Julie's Bicycle report, the majority of carbon emissions in the cultural sector come from energy use, which accounts for 60% of the total emissions. Transportation accounts for 20%, waste for 15%, and water use for 5%. Within energy use, electricity is the largest contributor, followed by gas and other fuels. Within transportation, staff travel is the largest contributor, followed by visitor travel and goods transport. Within waste, landfill is the largest contributor, followed by recycling and composting. Within water use, mains water is the largest contributor, followed by rainwater and greywater.

How to Reduce Carbon Emissions in the Cultural Sector

Reducing carbon emissions in the cultural sector requires a combination of measures that address energy use, transportation, waste, and water use. These measures can be grouped into three categories: energy efficiency, renewable energy, and behavioural change.

Energy efficiency measures aim to reduce the amount of energy used for lighting, heating, cooling, and ventilation of cultural buildings and facilities. These measures include installing energy-efficient lighting, insulation, double-glazing, and smart controls, as well as optimizing the use of space and equipment. Energy efficiency measures can reduce energy consumption by up to 50% and save costs in the long run.

Renewable energy measures aim to replace fossil fuels with renewable sources such as solar, wind, and geothermal energy. These measures include installing solar panels, wind turbines, and heat pumps, as well as purchasing green energy from suppliers. Renewable energy measures can reduce carbon emissions by up to 100% and contribute to the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Behavioural change measures aim to encourage staff, visitors, and stakeholders to adopt sustainable practices and attitudes towards energy, transportation, waste, and water use. These measures include raising awareness, providing training, setting targets, and rewarding good behaviour. Behavioural change measures can create a culture of sustainability and foster social and environmental responsibility.

Challenges Facing Decarbonisation in the Cultural Sector

Decarbonisation in the cultural sector faces several challenges, including financial, technical, cultural, and political barriers. Financial barriers include the upfront costs of energy efficiency and renewable energy measures, which may require significant investment and long payback periods. Technical barriers include the complexity and diversity of cultural buildings and facilities, which may require bespoke solutions and expertise. Cultural barriers include the lack of awareness, engagement, and leadership on sustainability issues, which may hinder the adoption of sustainable practices. Political barriers include the lack of policy support, incentives, and regulation, which may limit the scope and ambition of decarbonisation.

Implications of Decarbonisation for the Cultural Sector

Decarbonisation in the cultural sector has several implications, both positive and negative. Positive implications include the reduction of carbon emissions, the improvement of energy efficiency, the adoption of renewable energy, the enhancement of sustainability practices, the engagement of audiences and stakeholders, and the demonstration of leadership and innovation. Negative implications include the potential disruption of cultural activities, the loss of heritage and authenticity, the increase of costs and complexity, and the potential conflicts between sustainability and other cultural values.

Conclusion

Decarbonisation in the cultural sector is a critical step towards mitigating the impacts of climate change and demonstrating leadership, innovation, and collaboration in the sector. The main sources of carbon emissions in the sector are energy use, transportation, waste, and water use, which can be addressed through energy efficiency, renewable energy, and behavioural change measures. Decarbonisation in the sector faces several challenges, including financial, technical, cultural, and political barriers, which require collaboration and innovation to overcome. The implications of decarbonisation for the sector are both positive and negative, which require careful consideration and balance.