Image shows an artists impression of the cross section of the redeveloped Poole Museum
Reducing Carbon Emissions
The redevelopment is tackling carbon emissions through capital works and activity to cut carbon emissions, including:
- Solar power - we've installed photovoltaic panels on the museum
- Energy efficiency - including enhanced insulation, dry lining, and secondary glazing to reduce energy waste
- Low-energy solutions - with upgraded lighting, advanced environmental control systems, and energy-efficient collection conservation technologies
We are prioritising a sustainability-first construction approach, with our material and construction choices prioritising low environmental impact, guided by our Net Zero consultancy. These measures include:
- Optimised construction management and energy strategies
- Water efficiency, local supply chains, and recycling initiatives
- Adaptation strategies for climate resilience
Environmental leadership and collaboration
We're also actively contributing to Wessex Museum's Environmental Action Plan by setting measurable Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for sustainability.
Sustainability in the spotlight: Harbour Life Gallery
Our Harbour Life Gallery delves into the intertwined relationship between humanity and the environment, focusing on:
- Fishing and ecology - examining sustainable practices for preserving marine life
- Trade and extraction - highlighting the delicate balance between innovation and ecological preservation
- Partner collaboration - featuring partnerships with Birds of Poole Harbour and Dorset’s Important Geological Sites to interpret key ecological and geological themes
Stories of adaptation and resilience
- Rising sea levels - the historic Town Cellars restoration includes a thought-provoking narrative on flooding and rising sea levels, showing how climate change impacts built environments
- Interactive exhibits - including 'Making History' stations which engage visitors with critical contemporary questions, linking historical interpretations to present and future challenges
Sustainability beyond the galleries
Visitors are introduced to the museum’s green initiatives from the moment they arrive. The welcome area showcases how we're reducing our carbon footprint and adapting to climate change, providing inspiration for visitors to adopt sustainable practices in their own lives
Our redevelopment serves as a model for balancing heritage preservation with forward-thinking ecological responsibility, ensuring that the stories of Poole’s past continue to inspire action for its future.