Sustainability

Since 2013 Ikon has worked to reduce the gallery’s energy consumption and carbon footprint. We aim to reduce CO2 emissions by a minimum of 50% by 2030 (based on 2018-19 emissions).

Ikon works closely with artwork lenders and conservators to reduce energy emissions that would usually be expended on maintaining gallery spaces’ climate controls.

Our energy, water and waste is regularly measured and monitored and reported annually to Julie’s Bicycle’s Creative Climate Tools to determine our carbon footprint.

Ikon is committed to sourcing building energy supplies from providers who heavily or solely invest in renewable energy. Our 100% renewable tariffs from electricity provider Ecotricity and gas provider Crown Gas & Power are, importantly, not based on REGO certificate offsetting and so are directly funding the expansion of renewable energy. Both suppliers are making a positive difference to displace the UK’s reliance on fossil fuels.

Capital investment funding from Arts Council England has enabled Ikon to upgrade systems and infrastructure to reduce energy consumption and develop sustainable operations – including new boilers, reusable wall system, LED lighting throughout, cloud-based IT infrastructure and much more.

Ikon has had a no skip policy since 2013. We have been able to reduce waste volumes through a revised procurement strategy, re-using and re-purposing materials in our exhibitions and re-housing or recycling other waste streams.

Sustainability was an important aspect of the recent shop refurbishment brief from design, through demolition to refurbishment and fabrication. Major elements of the original shop shelving system were retained and complimented. No skips were used and no waste went to landfill – all waste was responsibly processed and repurposed.