24th November 2009, The Burton Art Gallery, Bideford

Delegates heard from three museums who have taken on the challenge of becoming more sustainable.  All are happy to share their experience with fellow museum workers.

Case study 1
Sheila Phillips
Museum: William Pengelly Cave Studies Trust (www.pengellytrust.org)
Project:sustainable heating using a wood pellet fired boiler
Benefits: has halved the centre's heating bills and reduced its carbon footprint

Useful contacts
Sheila Phillips ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it )
Devon Association for Renewable Energy (http://www.devondare.org/) for advice on options and grant funding
National Park sustainable development funds: Dartmoor (http://www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk) and Exmoor (http://www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/)

Case study 2
Alan Langmaid
Museum: The Elizabethan House Museum, Totnes (www.devonmuseums.net/totnes)
Project: sustainable lighting using LEDs in one gallery with funding from the Pilgrim Trust
Benefits: electricity bills reduced, reduced bulb replacement

Useful contacts
Alan Langmaid ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it )
The Pilgrim Trust (www.thepilgrimtrust.org.uk/)

Case Study 3
Susan Eddisford
Museum: Sidmouth Museum (www.sidvaleassociation.org)
Project: Free entry,  enhanced publicity and visitor services.  Funded and underwritten by Renaissance South West
Benefits: c 150% increase in visitor numbers, increased opening hours,takings from donations and shop sales were greater than the amount generated in entry fees in previous years.  Volunteers learnt new skills.

Useful contacts
Susan Eddisford ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it )
AIM (Association of Independent Museums) sustainability fund (www.aim-museums.co.uk/)
Renaissance South West (www.renaissancesouthwest.org.uk)