The National Museum of Australia is to cut its carbon emissions to net zero by 2030 under an inaugural environmental sustainability action plan.
Director of the National Museum, Mathew Trinca said one of the first steps the Museum had taken to reach its targets under the Environmental Sustainability Action Plan 2023–2030 was acquiring electric vehicles, installing solar panels and reducing the use of utilities.
“Through this action plan, the Museum commits to achieving its goals of carbon-neutral certification, reducing its impact on the environment, and engaging audiences with knowledge to promote a sustainable future,” Dr Trinca said.
“This year, electric vehicles will replace two of the Museum’s fleet of six internal combustion engine vehicles, with others to follow as the leases expire,” he said.
“A 192kW solar panel system has recently been installed on the Museum building’s roof, which provides approximately 4.5 per cent of the building’s electricity requirement.”
Welcoming the plan, Minister for Water, Energy and Emissions Reduction, Shane Rattenbury said it was a significant step towards addressing climate change at the community level.
“By committing to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030, the Museum demonstrates its dedication to taking action on climate change,” Mr Rattenbury said.
“By setting targets and taking action to reduce emissions, the Museum sets an example for other institutions to follow,” he said.
“This is the kind of leadership we need as we work together to create a zero emissions, environmentally conscious future.”
The National Museum’s 23-page action plan can be accessed at this PS News link.
