CIfA's environmental protection policy
This policy aims to heighten awareness of environmental protection issues amongst the membership of the Institute, and to encourage archaeological organisations and individuals to adopt and implement environmental protection policies. A model policy is appended for the use of CIfA members: CIfA does not require its members or registered organisations to use this form of words. See our Policy Statements document for details on environment protection:
Carbon reduction guide table
Archaeology – like all disciplines – needs to think about changing its working practices to contribute to net-zero targets. In recognition of this challenge, the Climate Change working group has developed a Carbon Reduction Guide Table which you can download from the link below. This table looks at how the Chartered Institute and the wider sector can reduce their impact on the environment and respond to the climate, while working within the Institute’s Code of conduct and Standards and guidance.
The table represents a starting point rather than a set of defined final rules. We suggest that it be used as a broad framework in which to allow organisations and individuals to begin the process of engaging with carbon reduction and climate responsibility. We acknowledge that this is a ‘living document’, reflecting current understanding and assumptions, and as such will change over time as our understanding of the often-complex issues around carbon reduction improves.
Join the Heritage Carbon Reduction Network
Initially established by CIfA, the Heritage Carbon Reduction Network is open to the whole heritage sector to encourage cross sector sharing and discussion. The Knowledge Hub group provides an informal online space for heritage professionals to ask questions, share ideas and resources, and generally discuss the issues around carbon literacy, carbon reduction and the historic environment.
Request to join the Knowledge Hub online.
Case studies
The long-term aim of the working group is to build up a resource of practical case studies, and members and organisations are encouraged to submit these, as well as additional ideas on approaches to carbon saving to add to this table. Please email admin@archaeologists.net.
Heritage sector carbon emissions infographics
Historic England commissioned environmental sustainability consultants 3ADAPT to develop a series of infographics to highlight the carbon emissions generated from different areas of the heritage sector (using real heritage sector carbon emission data) and to suggest potential ways for carbon reduction. A series of infographics have been produced from across the broad spectrum of the heritage sector, including
- archaeological terrestrial excavations
- marine archaeological projects
- heritage attractions
- conservation
- food and catering
- conference and event organisation
- heritage coal use
Summary of Heritage Sector Emissions
Impact of Food and Beverage
Climate Sensitive Conservation of Collections
Adjusting Climate Controls in Conservation
Decarbonising Conferences and Events
Decarbonising Archaeological Excavations
Decarbonising Historic Houses
Decarbonising Marine Archaeology
Other resources, training and events
Climate Heritage Network
In July 2020 CIfA joined the Climate Heritage Network. The Network was launched in September 2019 and already over 70 organisations globally have signed up to its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Through engagement with the Network, it is intended that arts, culture and heritage actors will be able to mutually support each other to increase understanding of their role in climate adaptation and mitigation, as well as to inform climate policies.
