Practical Guidelines and Toolkits
Access practical guidance, methodologies, protocols, and self-assessment tools to support sustainable museum operations, exhibitions, collections management, and institutional development.
ICCROM – Our Collections Matter Toolkit
International | Initiative launched: 2021
ICCROM's Our Collections Matter initiative supports museums and other collection-based organisations in translating sustainability commitments into practical action. Built around Tools, Training, and Transformation, the programme provides open-access resources that connect collections-based activities with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. It enables institutions to identify opportunities for sustainable development across collections care, research, education, and community engagement.
Ibermuseos – Guía de Autoevaluación en Sostenibilidad de Museos
Ibero-America
Developed by the Ibermuseos Programme, this self-assessment guide helps museums evaluate their sustainability performance through a multidimensional approach. The tool considers institutional management, collections care, research, programming, communication, and community participation. It supports museums in identifying strengths, recognising areas for improvement, and developing sustainability strategies adapted to their institutional contexts.
Guidelines: Climate Protection in Museums
Germany
Developed through the German Museums Association's Climate Protection and Sustainability in Museums project, these guidelines provide practical recommendations for reducing museums' environmental impacts. Created with contributions from museum professionals and other experts, the publication addresses climate impact assessments, institutional processes, operational improvements, and public engagement. It supports museums seeking to incorporate climate action into their everyday activities.
Bizot Green Protocol – Refreshed 2023
International | Updated: September 2023 | Original protocol: 2015
The Bizot Green Protocol provides science-based guidance for developing more environmentally sustainable museum practices, particularly in collections care and environmental control. Its updated principles address temperature and relative humidity requirements, supported by scientific evidence, professional experiences, and practical implementation resources. The protocol encourages museums to reconsider traditional environmental standards while maintaining appropriate conditions for the preservation of collections.
SAGE Toolkit – Sustainable Arts and Green Ecosystems
International
The SAGE Toolkit offers practical resources to help museums, galleries, and theatres reduce waste and minimise the environmental impact of exhibitions and stage productions. It explores strategies for more responsible material selection, reuse, and production processes. The toolkit supports cultural professionals seeking accessible solutions to integrate sustainability into exhibition-making and creative production.
Rethinking Touring Exhibitions
United Kingdom
Developed by Art Fund in partnership with the Design Museum and The Exhibitions Group, Rethinking Touring Exhibitions is a practical tool for reducing the environmental impact of touring exhibitions. It helps museum professionals consider sustainability at different stages of exhibition planning and production, providing questions, resources, and references to support informed decisions. Although developed for UK institutions, its methodology can be adapted to other museum contexts.
Using the Resources at Hand: Sustainable Exhibition Design
Canada
Developed by the Centre for Sustainable Curating, this guide explores ways to reduce the carbon footprint of exhibition design, from initial planning to deinstallation. It provides recommendations on material selection, reuse, borrowing, and resource sharing, alongside examples from galleries and educational institutions in Canada. The publication encourages more resource-conscious approaches to exhibition-making.
A Call to Collective Action: 9 Actions to Develop More Sustainable Exhibitions
International
Published by ICOM Voices and written by Elise Foster Vander Elst of the Design Museum in London, this article outlines nine actions to support more sustainable exhibition practices. Drawing on the Design Museum's experience, it encourages museums to share knowledge, tools, and practical approaches to reducing environmental impacts. The resource promotes collective learning and collaboration as essential elements of the sector's environmental transition.
Guidance and Inspiration for the Ecological Transition of Culture
France
Developed by the French Ministry of Culture, this guidance provides a strategic framework for advancing the ecological transition across cultural institutions. It addresses sustainable exhibition design, visitor mobility, energy efficiency, staff training, and environmental assessment. The publication offers practical directions and policy objectives to support the integration of sustainability into cultural operations and institutional planning.
Fostering Dialogue in Divisive Times – Community Forums on Climate Action
Europe
Developed by the NEMO Working Group on Sustainability and Climate Action, this guide supports museums in organising and facilitating community forums on climate change. It provides practical recommendations for encouraging constructive dialogue, engaging diverse perspectives, and addressing sensitive environmental issues. The resource highlights museums' potential to foster public participation and contribute to a fair and inclusive transition towards sustainability.