2020 and 2021 have seen major climate events affecting museums directly and indirectly. Following the decarbonization calls at COP 26 last fall, museums are putting resources to forge a new path towards their long-term planning and strategic plans. The need for a sustainability officer or officers has surfaced in other sectors, both public and private. Can museums be the catalysts in community planning for a better future? How can best business practices be borrowed? Is it time for museums to walk the talk?

Discussions will focus on how this position could support mission, integrate areas of climate action through departmental collaborations, and possible metrics for museums of different sizes.  We are joined by the Sustainability Officers of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington DC and the Museum of Modern Art in New York to hear their insights.

Click here to register.

Nancy Bechtol, Director of Smithsonian Facilities and Chief Sustainability Officer, Smithsonian Institution

Jean Savitsky, Director of Real Estate and Sustainability, Museum of Modern Art New York

Moderator, Joyce Lee, Chair, AAM Environment Climate Network and President of IndigoJLD Green + Health

The statements and opinions expressed by panelists, hosts, attendees, or other participants of this event are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of, nor are endorsed by, the American Alliance of Museums.