The Norwegian Museum of Science and Technology undertakes to run the museum in a way that is as environmentally friendly and sustainable as possible.
We are proud to be Environmental Lighthouse certified, which means that we meet strict requirements for climate and environmental considerations and have committed ourselves to promoting sustainable operation of the museum. Our holistic approach to sustainability extends from the building itself to the shop, the production of exhibitions and public activities at the museum.
In 2024, we were again recertified as an Environmental Lighthouse for three new years.
Feedback, criticism or praise? We welcome input on how the museum can take even better care of the environment.
Purchasing and waste
In the purchasing process, we have emphasized the environment, and we have established framework agreements with environmentally certified suppliers for craft services. We have also worked with source sorting and carried out an extensive clean-up with a focus on dangerous substances and chemicals. This has led to an increase in hazardous waste, but it is an important step to ensure a safe and sustainable workplace.
We have labeled all our environmental products in the museum shop! Photo: Jill Bottolfsen
Energy consumption
To reduce our energy consumption, we have carried out measures such as replacing ventilation systems, installing a heat pump and switching to LED lighting. From 2019 to 2023, we have reduced electricity consumption in the museum building at Kjelsås by 22%. We have ambitions to cut energy consumption even more.
Wind turbines make the world greener. Photo: Gorm Gaare
Transportation
We have a policy that promotes environmentally friendly transport for business trips and reduces the use of aircraft. Increased use of electric cars has helped to reduce fuel consumption, and we are also experiencing less use of both the museum's cars and private cars in the service compared to previous years. We are committed to continuing to explore and implement new initiatives to achieve our sustainability goals.
Talent center in Science on the way to an assignment in one of our electric cars. Photo: Jill Bottolfsen
Activities
When we work with the dissemination of exhibitions or develop activities, we think about how we can make things that last, or that can engage people to think more about climate and the environment. We try to avoid using plastic, order things in larger quantities to reduce our carbon footprint, and we always think about reuse.
The most important thing we do is to develop activities that use up what we already have, or things that others no longer use. My favorite activity is textile printing, where people bring their own garments and create new patterns and prints on them, so that the garments last even longer.
Exhibitions
In the production of new exhibitions, we are keen to reuse. AV equipment, lighting fixtures and other materials tend to have a long life at the museum and are used in several projects. Showcases, plinths and plate materials are also reused to a large extent where possible.
Otherwise, we always try to give away used material we don't need ourselves to art students and various workshop collectives. The suppliers we use in the exhibition productions must also document environmental considerations.
Instruction
The school and kindergarten group is aware of the environmental and climate footprint of the teaching material used. The materials are recovered and reused, as far as possible. One of the learning offers for 1.-2. step deals with the climate challenges.
The museum shop
The buyers for our store prioritize introducing environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional plastic toys. The focus area includes toys made from plant-based materials, wooden toys and toys made from recycled materials.
Operation and security
We attach great importance to waste sorting, both for our own part and for the rest of the house, as far as possible. It is an important part of our work to be more sustainable.
When we monitor energy consumption, it's about fine-tuning algorithms and systems for ventilation and light control, all to save as much electricity as possible. We are also switching to LED lighting and working on general operational optimization, all in line with the management's vision for the museum.
Techno cafe
In Tekno Kafe, we consciously choose short-traveled and local ingredients to support the local community and reduce our carbon footprint. With daily fresh vegetarian soups and a diverse selection of vegetarian dishes on the menu, we make it easy for guests to opt out of meat.
Minimizing food waste and smarter use of electricity ensures that we not only offer good food, but also take care of the environment around us.
