Green initiatives
Sustainability is important to us. We are committed to minimising the impact our activities have on the environment.
We are on a journey and know there is a lot to do. This page outlines what we are doing to reduce our carbon footprint in response to the global climate emergency.
Becoming greener
We are working hard to be more sustainable and implement changes across the organisation.
We are proud that we already meet or exceed all required environmental legislation – but our objectives don’t stop there.
We are prioritising activities which allow us to run more efficiently, reduce our carbon footprint and prevent pollution, while continuing to provide quality services and safe and healthy environments for both our employees and visitors.
We have already put many green initiatives into place across the organisation. Here’s what we’ve achieved so far and our plans for the future.
Saving energy
We have begun replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy systems across the organisation.
Ground source heat pumps
We have replaced existing oil-fired heating systems with ground source heat pumps at Henry Moore Studios & Gardens. Installing a ground source heat…
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Ground source heat pumps
We have replaced existing oil-fired heating systems with ground source heat pumps at Henry Moore Studios & Gardens.
Installing a ground source heat pump at Sheep Field Barn, Henry Moore Studios & Gardens. Photo: Lesley Wake.
Solar panels & photovoltaic tiles
We have installed solar panels on the roof of the Institute to help to generate electricity for the building. The rooftop solar panels…
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Solar panels & photovoltaic tiles
We have installed solar panels on the roof of the Institute to help to generate electricity for the building. The rooftop solar panels alone will save 13,000 tonnes of carbon over their life.
As part of the development of the Sheep Field Barn at Studios & Gardens, we’re installing photovoltaic tiles to generate solar energy for the building.
Photos: Richard Chivers
Art stores eco-strategy
We introduced an eco-strategy to govern how environmental conditions are controlled in our galleries and art store. This has enabled us to reduce…
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Art stores eco-strategy
We introduced an eco-strategy to govern how environmental conditions are controlled in our galleries and art store.
This has enabled us to reduce the amount of power required to control temperature and relative humidity in these spaces.
Material in the Henry Moore Archive, one of our climate-controlled stores.
Improving thermal efficiency
We upgraded all windows at Henry Moore Institute to double glazing during our refurbishment. At Studios & Gardens, we’re using sustainable insulation made…
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Improving thermal efficiency
We upgraded all windows at Henry Moore Institute to double glazing during our refurbishment.
At Studios & Gardens, we’re using sustainable insulation made from sheep’s wool in the redevelopment of the Sheep Field Barn.
Sheep nestled under Henry Moore’s Sheep Piece. Photo: David Cotton.
Virtual & hybrid meetings
We have prioritised meeting online whenever practical, so that we’re able to avoid unnecessary travel between our two sites and cut down on…
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Virtual & hybrid meetings
We have prioritised meeting online whenever practical, so that we’re able to avoid unnecessary travel between our two sites and cut down on our carbon emissions.
Meeting room at Henry Moore Institute. Photo: Richard Chivers
Replacing petrol equipment
We have begun the phased replacement of petrol-powered garden equipment with rechargeable electric models. We’ll be installing an EV charging point as part…
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Replacing petrol equipment
We have begun the phased replacement of petrol-powered garden equipment with rechargeable electric models.
We’ll be installing an EV charging point as part of our redevelopment of the Sheep Field Barn.
A tractor at Henry Moore Studios & Gardens.
Reducing waste
Throughout the organisation, we are reducing our reliance on single-use materials and investigating more sustainable display methods.
Hand-painted & sustainable signage
We have been experimenting with sustainable display methods like hand-painted signs and wall panels in exhibitions made from both recycled and recyclable materials.…
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Hand-painted & sustainable signage
We have been experimenting with sustainable display methods like hand-painted signs and wall panels in exhibitions made from both recycled and recyclable materials.
This has reduced our reliance on single-use materials like vinyl signage, which ends up in landfill.
Third Eye Signs painting exhibition signage at Henry Moore Institute. Photo: Min Young Lim
Eliminating plastic packaging
No plastic products are sold in any of our shops at Henry Moore Studios & Gardens, Henry Moore Institute, or online. We use…
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Eliminating plastic packaging
No plastic products are sold in any of our shops at Henry Moore Studios & Gardens, Henry Moore Institute, or online.
We use sustainable packaging for all purchases.
The Henry Moore Institute shop. Photo: Min Young Lim.
Reducing paper use & recycling
We have reduced paper use across the organisation by moving to digital alternatives in both internal operations and visitor engagement. New and more…
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Reducing paper use & recycling
We have reduced paper use across the organisation by moving to digital alternatives in both internal operations and visitor engagement.
New and more prominent waste sorting bins encourage both employees and visitors to recycle their rubbish.
Recycling bins at the Henry Moore Institute.
Sustainable collections care
The exhibitions and collections teams routinely reuse materials, regularly repurposing crates instead of making new ones. The team use recyclable paper-based tape and…
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Sustainable collections care
The exhibitions and collections teams routinely reuse materials, regularly repurposing crates instead of making new ones.
The team use recyclable paper-based tape and sustainable materials like Tyvek, tissue paper and cardboard instead of plastic or bubble wrap.
Henry Moore’s drawings crates in storage at Henry Moore Studios & Gardens, which have been in use for many years and are just adjusted when needed.
Water conservation measures
All new plumbing is fitted with water saving technology. We are no longer watering the grass at Henry Moore Studios & Gardens, even…
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Water conservation measures
All new plumbing is fitted with water saving technology.
We are no longer watering the grass at Henry Moore Studios & Gardens, even in the summer.
Dual-height sinks in The Studio. Photo: Richard Chivers.
Reuse, repair & recycle
We’re part of SAIL (Sustainable Arts in Leeds), a pioneering not-for-profit that supports the creative and cultural industries to be environmentally sustainable. As…
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Reuse, repair & recycle
We’re part of SAIL (Sustainable Arts in Leeds), a pioneering not-for-profit that supports the creative and cultural industries to be environmentally sustainable.
As part of our membership, we share resources with other like-minded organisations in Yorkshire. If we have IT equipment we no longer need, we try and re-home it with someone who can put it to good use.
If we can’t repair or reuse equipment, we recycle it once it reaches the end of its useful life. We always try to buy energy-efficient products, so that we don’t need to replace equipment as often.
Organisational changes
We established a Green Group in 2019, tasked with researching and implementing environmentally sustainable initiatives across the Foundation.
The group has representatives from all departments, ensuring that the whole organisation is onboard and engaged.
Investment strategy
We follow Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) principles in our investment strategy, and don’t invest in companies involved in unethical or environmentally harmful practices.
Home working policy
We introduced hybrid home/office working for all staff who are not required to be on-site, to reduce the environmental impact of commuting for work.
Employee loans for greener travel
We offer interest free loans to employees to purchase bikes, electric vehicles, or annual rail/travel tickets, to help encourage sustainable travel.
Individual sustainability goals
We have integrated sustainability goals into annual performance reviews, to encourage staff to take personal responsibility for contributing to the Foundation’s green agenda.
Sustainable suppliers
We prioritise working with suppliers who are able to demonstrate a commitment to environmental best practices.
Staff training & awareness
We promote environmental awareness to our staff through training, encouraging them to make the right decisions.
Architectural projects
Henry Moore Institute refurbishment
In 2024 we refurbished the interior of the building with sustainability in mind, using environmentally friendly materials and approaches throughout.
In a nod to the work of Henry Moore, architects Group Ginger selected a palette of robust and tactile natural materials – such as timber, wool and rubber – which have a low environmental impact and will last for many years.
Find out more about the project
Sheep Field Barn redevelopment
Henry Moore Studios & Gardens is renovating of one of its buildings, the Sheep Field Barn, to create new spaces for learning, thinking and making. Due to open to the public in 2026, there will be two studio spaces and a gallery introducing Henry Moore’s art and life.
The redeveloped building will be net zero, with reduced embodied carbon, recycled components, thermal insulation made from sustainable sheep’s wool, ground source heat pumps, double glazing and a water treatment plant.
Find out more about the project
Our future ambitions
Choosing the best and most sustainable approach is always a balancing act, and a challenge that requires investment.
We’re committed to improving wherever we can. Here are some of the projects we’re currently working on.
Sustainable travel
- We are encouraging our visitors to travel sustainably to our venues, improving public transport signposting and introducing electric car charging points for staff and visitors at Henry Moore Studios & Gardens.
- We are replacing our current company van with an electric vehicle.
- We have recently installed additional cycle racks for visitors at Henry Moore Studios & Gardens.
Improving energy efficiency
- We are expanding the provision of solar energy at Henry Moore Studios & Gardens.
- We are exploring the feasibility of replacing the existing gas boilers at Henry Moore Institute with heat pumps.
- We will begin the phased introduction of more sustainable heating systems in all of our buildings (where they haven’t already been upgraded).