ByIANSlife

March 6, 2021 (IANSlife) Christie’s confirmed its commitment to more sustainable operations, pledging to be net zero by 2030. The company is committing to a 50 percent reduction in its carbon emissions, achieving 90 percent diversion from landfill for its waste and providing all clients with packaging and printed material that is 100 percent recyclable.

Christie’s is setting its carbon reduction goals aligned to the needs of climate science, and has committed to the Science Based Target initiative* (SBTi) to help achieve the 1.5°C warming trajectory required to avoid dangerous climate change. Christie’s is the first auction house to apply for this accreditation which promotes best practice and independently assesses and approves companies’ targets in line with strict criteria.

Tom Woolston, Global Head of Operations and leading Christie’s Sustainability program, said: “From now on, the lens of sustainability must inform all of our activities. We understand that making good on these commitments will require a shift in culture and recognise that there is much to be done to adapt across the business.”

 

COMMIT: Carbon Reduction

In order to achieve the targets, Christie’s is addressing four key areas which make the most significant contribution to our emissions:

• Shipping and Logistics - will be optimised to better utilise lower carbon modes of transport and be more selective in touring property for exhibitions, leveraging the use of digital tools to bridge the gap.
• Business Travel - the pandemic has shown what can be done without the ability to travel and becoming effective in finding new ways to communicate with each other and our clients and partners.
• The Energy, Waste and Water from our Buildings - the company has already switched to renewable energy in the London headquarters.
• Printed Materials - work has begun with a 75 percent reduction in print materials during 2020, exceeding the commitment announced in 2019.

 

COMMUNICATE: Pledge to be Transparent & Share Learnings

Working with leading sustainability consultants Avieco, Christie’s has completed a review of all operational activities and measured its current global emissions. The company is committing to annual reporting of future emissions and its progress towards targets, the first of which will be published later this year, to ensure transparency.

 

Christie’s Principle Emissions tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions

 

 

COLLABORATE: Systemic Challenges Require Collective Action

Christie’s will take a collaborative approach with suppliers and other stakeholders to work to reduce the collective environmental footprint up and down the supply chain. “We know the broader art industry shares the desire to combat climate change, and we promise to use our leadership position to drive positive change, actively looking to form collaborations with stakeholders across the art world and beyond,” concluded Mr. Woolston.

Christie’s has joined the Gallery Climate Coalition (GCC) a non-profit organisation founded by a voluntary group of London-based gallerists and professionals. Their aim is to help the art world reduce its impact on the climate and to develop a meaningful and industry-specific response to the growing climate crisis.

 

 

 

 

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