Sustainability in Museums: A Commitment to the Future.

At Imandra Project we are convinced that sustainability must be a priority in all our projects, and museums are no exception. As we move towards 2030, it is critical to reflect on our impact and how we can contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Sustainability encompasses many aspects—economic, environmental, cultural and social. It’s about using resources wisely, without wasting and always thinking about the future of our planet and the next generations.

As a company specialising in the design and installation of exhibitions and museums, we have a special responsibility in this area. There are two key ways in which we can contribute:

1. Transmitting Sustainability Content: We can incorporate sustainability concepts in the content of exhibitions, although this depends to a large extent on the theme of the exhibition and the wishes of the client or curator.
2. Promoting Sustainability in the Resources Used: This is where we can have the greatest direct impact. Let’s focus on how we can apply the three R’s rule in museum design: reduce, reuse and recycle.

The use of recyclable and recycled materials is essential. In temporary exhibitions, it is important to reflect on how we can make use of waste for future exhibitions. A good recycling plan and consideration of the life cycle of materials can make a big difference. This involves thinking about how materials are sourced, how they are used and how they are disposed of or reused at the end of their useful life.

There are several options for reuse:

• Reuse of disused exhibition supports: Reuse items from past exhibitions.
• Design of modular supports: Create elements that can be used in different exhibitions.
• Creativity in the use of discarded resources: Transforming what others consider rubbish into valuable resources for exhibitions, as we did with the modular stands made of recycled wood at the FEAPS “Participation Fair”.

It is crucial to study and minimise the amount of resources used. This includes assessing the need for each support and considering the durability of the materials based on the seasonality of the exhibition. In permanent exhibitions, it is important to build versatile and durable furniture that does not need to be replaced frequently. In addition, we can reduce electricity consumption and manage energy responsibly, as we did with the consumption meter in Red Eléctrica de España’s exhibition “A Highway Behind the Plug”.

• Use of Technology: Technology can be a powerful ally in delivering content and reducing the use of physical resources. Although digital also has an environmental impact, in many cases it’s a more sustainable option. We can opt for reusable room brochures, apps, theme-specific websites, interactive modules and audio guides to enhance the exhibition experience without resorting to paper and other disposable materials.
• Plastic Problem: The use of plastic, especially vinyl, presents a significant challenge due to its negative environmental impact. Wherever possible, we should replace plastic with more sustainable materials, such as wood, cardboard or direct paint on surfaces. It is also important to choose products that are certified organic and do not emit volatile organic compounds.
• Packaging and Transport: Moving exhibitions is another area where we can reduce our carbon footprint. Reusing packaging, using recyclable materials and reducing packaging weight are effective strategies. In the exhibition “Con Otra Mirada”, we use the packaging itself as a support, showing how creativity can be key to sustainability.

Finally, although we aren’t always present in the maintenance stage, we recommend good maintenance of the supports to prolong their useful life and avoid unnecessary consumption of resources.

In short, sustainability in museums is not only possible, but necessary. Although it’s sometimes difficult to take all these factors into account, every little effort counts. If we are all aware and do what we can, we can move closer to the 2030 SDGs and ensure that our museums are responsible and committed spaces for the future.