Our sustainability strategy

The 2023 United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPPC) report painted a stark picture of global inaction on climate change. We are on pace to far exceed the limits that would avoid the most catastrophic effects of climate change and the time for action has long since passed. And yet, there is still much to be done. The cultural sector produces a disproportionate amount of emissions compared to its size, but as creators and guardians of culture, it is our duty to highlight the importance of the climate emergency model ways of moving forward. 

Nordnorsk Kunstmuseum has taken the initial steps toward climate action. In 2023, the museum became a member of the Green Producer’s Club, a gathering of different cultural institutions working to reduce emissions form the culture sector according to Norway’s obligations under the Paris Climate Agreement. The network is an opportunity to develop and share best practices that will reduce the museum sector’s complicity in carbon emissions. Nordnorsk Kunstmuseum was selected to take part in the pilot project of the Green Producers Carbon Calculator Tool for museums. The tool is developed to map the carbon emissions of museum-specific activities like storage, travel, art transport, materials and energy consumption. 

Decarbonization and sustainability must be tied to concrete goals and achievable methods, and so the first step is mapping the extent of our carbon footprint and then using that information to make more impactful and informed decisions. Through our membership in the Green Producers Club, we have been able to hire a Green Transition Officer who is mapping our emissions and ensuring we have a comprehensive data for next steps. Once we map these emissions and expenditures, we will develop a strategy and targets for reduction.   

The Arctic is especially vulnerable to the effects of climate change. In our decarbonization work, we highlight the unique challenges faced by operating in the far North, and our working methods must counter with the changing ecology, political and infrastructural challenges.

Through these steps and a robust slate of exhibitions and programs, Nordnorsk Kunstmuseum is committed in its goal of reducing carbon emissions and being a model for a sustainable and carbon literate museum.