Learn more about the British Museum and Energy Centre Programme.
The Energy Centre Programme represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver significant improvements to the way the British Museum operates.
Survey
We would appreciate your feedback on the proposals – please take 2 minutes to complete an online survey.
About the museum
As the first national public museum of the world, the British Museum is unique in bringing together under one roof the cultures of the world, spanning continents and oceans. No other museum is responsible for collections of the same depth and breadth, beauty and significance.
Almost eight million objects allow us to explore the extraordinary diversity of human cultures, from small communities to vast empires, to discover the many forms and expressions human beings have given to every aspect of life, and to realise how closely they are interconnected.
The British Museum site
Over the last 260 years, the British Museum has continued to change and evolve to accommodate a growing collection and increased visitor numbers.
At first glance, the Museum appears to be a single and consistent design – but in reality, it is a complex and varied collection of buildings that have been developed and adapted over time.
From the Museum’s origins in 1759 in the restored Montagu House, to the completion of the Great Court Project in 2000 – the British Museum has continued to change and grow throughout its history.
As the Museum has expanded over time, the number of annual visitors has continued to grow.
Responding to change
Since opening its doors more than 250 years ago, the British Museum site has undergone countless changes and adaptations to ensure visitors can continue to explore and enjoy the unique collection.
As the Museum has grown and changed over time, so too have demands placed on the infrastructure and facilities needed for its operation. From heating systems to staff rooms and workshops – the current British Museum site has continued to adapt to meet new challenges.
Over time, some parts of the infrastructure have become outdated or in need of improvement. To ensure future generations can continue to enjoy the incredible collection at the British Museum, now is the right time to deliver the changes needed.
Energy Centre Programme
The Energy Centre Programme represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver significant improvements to the way the British Museum operates.
1
Deliver a new low-carbon and energy-efficient heating system, paving the way to a net-zero future
2
Support the long-term economic sustainability of the British Museum
3
Conserve the collection for future generations to experience and enjoy
4
Protect and enhance the identity and heritage of the British Museum
5
Improve experiences for visitors, volunteers and staff
The Energy Centre Programme will:
1
Result in an estimated annual net saving of 1,700 tonnes CO2 compared to our current usage.
2
Eliminate Scope 1 carbon emissions arising from the gas boilers at the Bloomsbury site.
3
Help the rollout of more energy- and resource-efficient infrastructure across the Bloomsbury site in future programmes of renovation and renewal.
Our proposals present a great opportunity to ensure a sustainable future for the British Museum that will have environmental sustainability at the heart of the Energy Centre Programme.
Our proposals will deliver a new low-carbon and energy-efficient heating system, paving the way to a net-zero future.
Indicative sketch of the proposals on the right.
Conserving the Museum
and collection
Conserving the British Museum is at the heart of the Energy Centre Programme. By delivering more sustainable infrastructure and creating better spaces for staff and visitors, future generations will be able to continue to explore and enjoy the incredible collection on display.
Throughout the design and delivery phases, the Energy Centre Programme, will ensure the character, identity and heritage of the British Museum is respected and protected. At the same time, improvements to heating and electrical infrastructure will support future programmes of renovation and renewal across the site.
Emerging design
The Energy Centre Programme is currently at the design phase, with a number of key principles underpinning the approach:
1
Result in an estimated annual net saving of 1,700 tonnes CO2 compared to our current usage.
2
Sensitive approach to materials, recognising the Museum’s own varied architectural context.
3
Modern, purpose-built heating and electrical infrastructure with workspaces that support existing requirements and future sustainability aspirations.
Initial ideas
Get in touch
If you have any questions or would like to speak to a member of the project team, there are several ways you can get in touch:
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about the Energy Centre Programme at The British Museum. We would appreciate your feedback on the proposals – please take 2 minutes to complete an online survey.
A once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver significant improvements to the way the British Museum operates
Created by Studio Sustancia
