Sustainability
Our Journey
We’re on a journey. Not at the starting point – and not at the finish line either.
Across our site, we’re working to reduce our environmental impact and make more sustainable choices. From what happens behind the scenes to what you experience as a visitor, this is a shared effort across the organisation.
We’re proud of the progress we’ve made so far, but we’re also honest about where we are. Some areas are working well, while others are still developing. That openness helps us focus on what matters most next.
We’re currently working with Indigo on their Talking Sustainability programme, shaping a clearer action plan and more consistent approach to how we communicate sustainability. As this develops, we’re focusing on three key shifts:
- Turning individual actions into shared standards
- Moving from intention to measurable impact
- Being more open about our progress with visitors
How we’re improving
We’re taking practical steps across the site to reduce our impact and work more sustainably:
- Reducing single-use materials and unnecessary packaging
- Reusing materials where possible and choosing more sustainable alternatives
- Improving energy efficiency across the site.
- Working closely with local and responsible suppliers. You can see examples of this in our shop, and dining facilities. Here, we source lower-impact products, reducing packaging and waste, and offering more sustainable choices for visitors.
- Embedding sustainability into learning, events and programming, including exhibitions like Ocean Photographer of the Year and our learning programmes.
These actions might seem small on their own, but together they make a meaningful difference and they’re a foundation we can keep building on.
We know many of our visitors want to make more sustainable choices, but it needs to be simple and realistic.
When you visit, you can:
- Travel to us using public transport or by bike. See our Getting Here page for more information on our bike racks and public transport routes - including via boat!
- Support our work through the choices you make on site - sustainability Dev
- Engage with events and experiences that explore environmental themes. From Ocean Photographer of the Year to one-off performances like Dive by Em The Master, we're expanding our programming so it's easier to get involved.
- Bring your own takeaway cup or fill-up at our water station.
We’ll keep improving how we support these choices, making it easier to take part without it feeling complicated.
We’ll know we’re making progress when:
- Sustainability is part of everyday decisions across the organisation
- We can clearly measure and share our impact
- Visitors understand what we’re doing and feel part of it
- We’re recognised as an organisation that leads by example
Our Commitment
We don’t have all the answers, but we are committed to:
Being transparent about where we are
Taking practical, realistic steps forward
Learning and improving over time
Working with our visitors, partners and community