sustainability-and-climate-change-strategy-2024.pdf?dl

Funding the strategy To deliver the sustainability ambitions contained in Knowledge Matters and expanded on within this strategy will require additional resource over coming years, particularly for decarbonising our buildings and for a Climate Change curator to add curatorial and public engagement resource. Sources of funding

1. Existing budgets, such as the maintenance budget, major capital projects, and exhibitions budget will fund some actions. Budgets can be repurposed where actions are high priority
2. We can spend-to-save money into future years, from energy savings reducing our utility bills
3. Some required capital works will pay back over time (for example LED lighting, solar PV, and better lighting/heating controls), and internal invest-to-save business cases can be created for these (our plant and equipment will need replacing at the end of their operational life, and government policy is to phase out gas, so it is a question of when not if)
4. Some capital works, such as replacing the gas boilers with heat pumps, are unlikely to pay back in their lifetime. For these, a combination of grant-in-aid and external funding will be needed; currently the main route we aware of is the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, but we will investigate other avenues, such as the Smart Export Guarantee, Industrial Energy Transformation Fund, Retrofit Accelerator Workplaces, and UK Clean Heat Grant
5. Some stand-alone projects or activities may be fundable through philanthropic or corporate funding, particularly where there are co-benefits for the community or the collection. To implement everything in the action plan sitting below this strategy, we estimate c. £6.8 million will be needed between 2024-2027, across internal and external sources, of which £3 million is secure, leaving; • c. £2.5 million of new Grant in Aid, with the majority used for invest to save projects plus the match-funding needed to support successful bids to external funders, such as the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme • c. £1.3 million aimed to be targeted from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme and other external funders, to replace gas or oil heating with heat pumps, install more solar PV, and a range of other efficiency works, plus increased resource to work on opening up the collection and climate literacy. This funding is highly competitive and there is no guarantee of success, but we need to the preparatory work, to even be in the running. These are ambitious targets. The reality is that, if external funding applications prove unsuccessful, new capital works will either not be possible or will wait until existing plant reaches the end of its operational life, whilst new projects will not commence. Meantime, we will maintain momentum through those actions funded through existing budgets and invest-to-save business cases. Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy_2024_Final Issued.docx 51

Tracking progress and future review As mentioned earlier, progress against this strategy will be tracked through the actions in the associated action plan. The Steering Group will review progress every six months, with an annual report to Direction Group and Board. The strategy itself will next be updated in 2027. We will have learned much by then, both from our successes and our failures in implementing this, our first Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy. Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy_2024_Final Issued.docx 52

Appendix 1: UN Sustainable Development Goals In this strategy, we have primarily referenced the Global Reporting Initiative topics. However, we have also been mindful of the internationally well-established UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). SDGs are another useful lens with which to look at our work, especially when engaging internationally. We used them to shape our major capital programme and know our work can impact positively on them. There are seven where we believe this strategy will make the most impact. We can influence this goal through: • our role, collecting and giving access to the UK’s documentary heritage • supporting research by multiple universities, in the UK and abroad • our learning programmes for schools and families • our diverse cultural events and exhibitions programme • decarbonising our existing buildings in St Pancras and Boston Spa • generating renewable electricity onsite • embedding high environmental performance in our new spaces • support new sustainable businesses to form and grow • procuring from sustainable businesses, including SMEs • supporting climate action in Camden and Leeds through our community engagement programme • acting as convener of the Knowledge Quarter in St Pancras • embedding sustainability in our procurement, including our catering and cleaning contractors and the suppliers to our shops • the choices of reusable and renewable materials for exhibitions and events • careful management of waste onsite • in our work on information literacy, enabling people to understand climate change and nature loss and take informed decisions • embedding information about climate action across our learning programmes, cultural events, exhibitions and business advice • showing sector leadership through the Green Libraries Campaign, Living Knowledge Network, and other UK and local partnerships • contributing actively to IFLA’s international work on sustainability and amplifying the voices of those already impacted by climate change through the Endangered Archives Programme, and sharing knowledge. Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy_2024_Final Issued.docx 53

Appendix 2: Green Libraries Manifesto The British Library is one of the founding signatories to the Arts Council funded Green Libraries Manifesto, and have committed to: • bring environmental sustainability to the heart of decision making. We pledge to work towards making environmental thinking and values central to what we do. We will work with decision-makers in our organisations to push for ambitious, credible and publicly-communicated environmental commitment and action, aligned with local environmental and climate change ambitions, targets and plans where relevant. Where possible, we will work with others to learn from and share best environmental practice • innovate and evolve. We will work to evolve environmental practice across core Library functions and practices and to test and explore new and innovative approaches and solutions for positive environmental change • work with our communities. We will learn from and support local green initiatives and work with them and others to empower our local communities to take positive environmental action. We will provide a safe and open environment for learning, sharing ideas and discussing the climate and environmental crisis and how we can work towards a better future for planet and people. In doing so, we will use creative and innovative approaches to connect with diverse and under-represented groups • use our voice for more impact. We will use our unique reach and position of trust to share and help people find verified information, to combat climate disinformation, improve climate and environmental literacy and understanding and help develop critical thinking for all ages. By providing up-to-date and accurate information, we will help people navigate the often-complex language and concepts around climate and environmental issues and make better-informed environmental choices • work in partnership. We will form partnerships with other like-minded organisations in the private, public and voluntary sectors to enhance the positive impact of green programmes and initiatives. We will use our spaces and networks to convene groups to discuss and take meaningful action for planet and people • grow and share our knowledge. We will continually expand our environmental understanding. We will prioritise training and professional development that empowers staff to take positive action and develop environmentally sustainable practices in their own sphere of work. We will support collective, sector-wide environmental action, including promoting the role of libraries in supporting positive change • support young people. We will support children and young people to be leaders in a green and just transition and to take action at home, at school, in communities, and in the workplace. We will assist them to participate in environmental debate and ensuring that their voices are heard. Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy_2024_Final Issued.docx 54