NRM aims for zero emissions by 2033 – but rail operations to continue as part of the mix
THE National Railway Museum (NRM) and its parent body the Science Museum Group have announced a target to achieve Net Zero by 2033.
Sustainability will be at the heart of the Vision 2025 masterplan projects at both the York museum and its Locomotion venue in Shildon.
Building on the Group’s Sustainability Policy, the target, announced on April 15 ahead of the museum’s May 19 public reopening, commits the museum to change the way it works to achieve a balance between the amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced and the amount removed from the atmosphere.
The policy will see changes to the way the museum operates from introducing small but significant day-to-day measures such as reducing food waste in its cafes, to the design and build of the museum’s new masterplan galleries and buildings.
Construction
The new Central Hall building, scheduled to open in 2025, will dramatically reduce reliance on concrete and steel by creating a timber-framed structure.
A combination of passive design principles and active systems, including the use of recycled copper, will reduce the museum’s operational carbon footprint by 80%.
NRM director Judith McNicol said: “Vision 2025 is our £55-million transformation to become the world’s railway museum. It is a once in a generation opportunity to connect the past with the present and to inspire the innovators and problem-solvers of the future and it is only right that environmental sustainability is embedded into this journey. It colours and informs our approach for design, construction, operation and engagement.
“Achieving Net Zero will benefit our visitors and the wider local community and our response is driven by a sense of urgency and purpose: to think big and to leave a positive legacy for those who follow.”
The museum will focus on sustainability and climate change in its public programme throughout 2021.
Available to book are the latest talks for the group’s global event series Climate Talks which aim to lead public engagement with climate science in the run up to COP26 in Glasgow in November 2021.
The talks bring together a diverse, distinguished line-up of international speakers to confront the most pressing issues around climate science and explore which innovations can really make a difference.
Since launching in January, more than 20,000 people worldwide have booked a free ticket or watched an event online, with speakers so far ranging from conservationist Dr Jane Goodall and economist Sir Partha Dasgupta to astronauts Tim Peake and Helen Sharman, musician Brian Eno and Bollywood star Dia Mirza.
Topics for the next wave of events range from the clean energy revolution to how oceans are responding to climate change, with speakers including journalist Anushka Asthana, Malawian inventor and author William Kamkwamba, Kwasi Kwarteng MP, Former president of the Republic of Kiribati Anote Tong, and many more. Full details are at www. sciencemuseum.org.uk/see-anddo/climate-talks
Steam
The museum’s commitment to sustainability will not affect on-site train rides or the operation of locomotives such as Flying Scotsman both at heritage railways and on the main line. A museum spokesman said: “Working steam locomotives are positive ambassadors for the museum and can significantly enhance the visitor experience.
“According to current estimates, the operation of rail vehicles accounts for just 3% of the Group’s overall carbon footprint.”
➜ For the reopening of the NRM of May 19, tickets will as always be free, but visitors will be asked to book online in advance at www. railwaymuseum.org.uk and follow social distancing.