Environmental Entrepreneurship: Adapting Our Museums for a Greener Future

Abstract

Our museums are not only a space for promoting education concerning climate change, but they also must function as the forward-thinking green institutions of the future. Taking measures to educate about climate change is our moral duty, but we must go a step further and set the example by creating and implementing greener business strategies that enable us to operate sustainably, whilst creating and maintaining a dialogue surrounding climate change with our staff and visitors. By following the research and hard work of green museums around the world, much can be learned regarding the most efficient methods for communicating to visitors and delivering the sustainability message of change. We must make haste to combat climate change, not only in our museum narratives, but in our entrepreneurial activities too. This paper challenges the common perception that business development must be compromised in order to pursue greener business strategies for our organisations. By detailing examples of more suitable workspaces, the importance of green policies and practices, better communication strategies, and energy-saving installations, materials and technology, this paper will provide the tools for museums to adapt their management approach in order to pursue an energy efficient, greener and more cost-effective future.