"It would be an understatement to say that
Isabella Stewart Gardner cared deeply about nature—at least in its cultivated form. Horticulture was central to her life and to her Museum, where she placed a blooming courtyard at the heart of her galleries to create an ever changing dialogue between the beauty of nature and the magnificence of artistic virtuosity. So it is more than fitting that we carry on her legacy through responsible environmental stewardship and efforts toward a greener, more equitable society in the face of increasing climate risk."
- Peggy Fogelman, Norma Jean Calderwood Director
"The climate crisis represents one of the greatest threats to [cultural] heritage in a world with depleting natural resources, growing inequality and social injustice. In response to these challenges, it is incumbent on all of us to adapt, innovate and pioneer change."
- 2021 Joint Commitment for Climate Action in Cultural Heritage from The International Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works, the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property, and the International Council of Museums – Committee for Conservation
Notable accomplishments
In the face of the threat presented by climate change, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum has joined the Boston Green Ribbon Commission's Cultural Institutions Working Group. In alignment with the City of Boston's Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance, which aims to reduce emissions to net zero by 2050, we have implemented several strategies to help mitigate climate change and support a more sustainable future for all. Notable accomplishments so far include:
Optimization of HVAC Systems
The Museum utilized information gathered during a retro commissioning process to create an HVAC optimization plan that will account for energy efficiencies within our current building capacities and uses.
Gallery Climate Control Parameters
Climate control (regulating temperature and relative humidity) is utilized for both the long term preservation of artifacts and the comfort of visitors. In an effort to reduce energy use, we make seasonal adjustments to our climate control settings, which saves energy and increases the comfort of our visitors, while still protecting our works of art.
Lighting Upgrades
The Museum has upgraded lighting fixtures across the New Wing and Palace to LED lighting. This energy-efficient change lasts five to ten times longer, will improve the viewing experience, and can minimize light exposure for fragile objects, supporting the conservation of our collection and accessibility for visitors and scholars.
Geothermal Wells
During construction of the New Wing, the Museum installed eight geothermal wells to augment
our climate control systems. Geothermal wells help support the equipment that heats and cools the building, enabling the Museum to diminish its reliance on fossil fuel-burning systems and replacing them with more efficient electric methods. Additionally, geothermal wells save water that would be evaporated in a typical cooling system and have helped the Museum see a decrease in its water usage.
Rainwater Retention
The Museum uses a greywater system to capture rainwater that falls on the Palace, which can then be used for irrigating the gardens and grounds.
Exhibition Construction
Exhibition construction can use a significant amount of single-use construction materials. To minimize this, we’ve invested in a reusable wall system and maintain an inventory of display cases that can be reused or repurposed for future exhibitions.
Construction Sourcing
Wherever possible, the Museum sources construction materials from within a 500 miles radius,
and often much closer.
Greenhouse Operations
Plants and their cultivation are central components of the Museum's identity and operations. The off-site greenhouses that support the majority of this work compost 100% of their "green waste." As stewards of the Living Collection, we practice organic pest and disease managment, having eliminated the use of all synthetic fungicides and pesticides in our greenhouses. Additionally, we have begun to incorporate hardy plants into our Courtyard displays.
Public Programming and Exhibitions
A part of the Museum's Programming and Exhibition strategy incorporates sustainability and
climate action topics. Examples include public programs such as The Larger Landscape
Conversation talks, a recurring series exploring the intersection of creativity, lived experience, and social justice, and exhibitions such as Presence of Plants (2023), which featured artists who are themselves climate activists.
Photo by Faizal Westcott
Looking Ahead: Strategies for Change
This is just the start. As we continue our commitment to sustainability, the Museum will examine all areas of its operations to identify more opportunities for change and is committed to achieving the following outcomes:
Reduce Operational Impacts
● Reduce energy, carbon, emissions, waste, and water usage
● Embed sustainable procurement in purchase behaviors
● Encourage and provide resources for sustainable commuting and travel options
Future-Proof Buildings and Infrastructure
● Participate in engineered studies to explore more efficient options for the Palace and New Wing HVAC systems
● Employ a consulting firm to develop a campus master plan to support resiliency efforts
Engage and Educate Internal Stakeholders
● Build awareness and action among staff
● Develop skills and provide training resources
● Embed sustainability into all department functions and systems
Engage and Educate External Stakeholders
● Advocate awareness of climate change’s impact on people and the natural world to
visitors and organizations that we have relationships with
● Continue to foster programming activities and develop exhibitions to educate and
demonstrate our commitment to sustainability
Through this sustainability action plan, we aim to model a more resilient, sustainable, and equitable future to uphold the commitment of our founder, Isabella Stewart Gardner: to protect and preserve this Museum and its collection for the education and enjoyment of the public forever.