Speakers: Fran Sanderson, CEO, Figurative, Sarah Newman, Head, Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum, Andrew Wylie, Partner, Buro Happold, Dr Emily Hopkins, Policy Adviser, Creative Industries Policy and Evidence
Culture is a UK success story, attracting visitors and exporting ideas globally. However, the physical real estate of this – our venue-based museums, galleries and theatres – urgently needs investment to address the climate emergency. Aging infrastructure and energy-hungry venues mean many organisations face acute challenges cutting carbon emissions and managing energy costs . Finance is cited as the major barrier to making improvements.
Figurative, a charity which advances impact investment and innovation in the cultural sector, is researching the economics of environmental retrofits and developing a Decarbonisation of Cultural Assets Fund (DeCAF) to help organisations move towards net zero.
This session presents pioneering research, funded by the Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre and Arts Council England, in partnership with Renew Culture, Theatre Green Book, Buro Happold, and MGAC, examining retrofit project economics using UK case studies.
The Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum will share their experience replacing air handling systems in their clifftop Victorian villa, balancing green agenda requirements with the challenges of a Grade 2* listed building.
Main image credit: Russell Coates Art Gallery & Museum, Bournemouth
