Environmental sustainability

Protecting our environment

The American Museum & Gardens is committed to regenerative tourism and stewardship of the land that we own. We are investing in our site to ensure it is protected for future generations. We are working on a new Environmental Sustainability Policy with sustainability at the heart of all we do. Below are some of our recent and current initiatives supporting this work across the organisation:

• Training by the Carbon Literacy Project, Museum Development North, and Museum Development England, and the creation of a Carbon Literacy Staff Task Force.

• Encouraging visitors to reuse, recycle and leave no impact from their visit.

• Public events highlighting nature and protecting our environment, such as Day of Nature.

• Installation of a water borehole, using our own water to irrigate the gardens and provide fresh drinking water to the whole site. Please refill your water bottle at the fountain on the terrace.

• An active woodland management plan which includes improving the tree stock and biodiversity of over 80 acres of woodland to create a sustainable green woodland.

• Re-stocking our parkland with native tree species – we aim to plant over 100 trees in the next few years to help absorb Co2 and improve flora and fauna for bird and insect habitats.

• Addition of beehives in our parkland to encourage bees into the gardens to pollinate the plants and protect future bee populations.

• Working with Bath Natural History Society who monitor moth numbers and species in our gardens.

• Protection of bat habitats by installing bat and bird boxes in our woodlands.

• Working with ecologists to create an ecological sustainability policy.

• Investment in battery pack technology to power garden equipment – reducing emissions from petrol-based machinery.

• Creation of an organic policy in the gardens – reducing the need for inorganic fertilisers and toxic sprays – and the introduction of ecological horticulture.

• Utilising plants grown in our own garden for natural decorative displays at seasonal public events.

• Working with our on-site catering partner, Graysons, who commit to an evidenced delivery for net zero attainment, 100% plastic-free service extending to back-of-house, offer diverse options for quality low and no carbon sourcing, menus and events, deliver highly creative plant-based excellence, and set audited targets for waste and energy reduction.

• Selling reusable coffee cups and encouraging customers to use these.

• Rolling programme of replacing lighting with low-energy LED lights.

• Investment in reusable elements for our temporary exhibitions, such as flexible walls, plinths and cases.

• Working with local suppliers to reduce carbon footprint from travel and use of sustainable materials wherever possible.

• Participation in the First Bus Commuter Travel Club to offer discounts to staff to encourage and support use of public transport.