NEMO and SHIFT eco-certification

NEMO is proud to be part of the SHIFT Eco-Certification Programme, an initiative designed to help international cultural networks reduce their environmental impact and embed sustainable practices into their operations. As a network, we aim to inspire and contribute to positive change for the climate, people, and planet.

By being part of SHIFT, NEMO strengthens its commitment to sustainability and climate action. The SHIFT Eco-Guidelines for Networks were developed specifically for cultural network-organisations. They provide a framework to improve, measure, monitor, and evaluate sustainability efforts, addressing key areas such as:

  • Operations and governance
  • Policies and decision-making
  • Travel and events – often the largest sources of emissions

These guidelines fill an important gap in the environmental certification landscape and lay the foundation for a future ecolabel tailored to cultural networks.

Our journey with SHIFT

NEMO has received its first SHIFT-certification in February 2026, after completing the first year of the SHIFT programme. We will continue to implement various sustainability measures, with progress monitored and shared with our wider membership to inspire long-term change across the museum and cultural sector. 

Continuous exchange and dialogue with other networks on the SHIFT journey – and with the 16 organisations that have already completed the programme – will help us learn and grow together.

 

NEMO’s Sustainability Policy

Our Sustainability Policy outlines why sustainability matters to NEMO and how we act on it:

Why we care
Climate change poses ecological and social challenges that affect museums and the cultural sector. NEMO advocates for museums to play an active role in Europe’s sustainable transition by raising awareness, inspiring behavioural change, and fostering dialogue.

Our approach
We commit to reducing our ecological footprint and promoting environmental responsibility across all operations and collaborations, guided by the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Key action areas

  • Communication & awareness: Advocate for sustainability and reduce the carbon footprint of our communications.
  • Travel: Track and report emissions, minimise air travel, and promote low-carbon transport options.
  • Events: Integrate sustainability measures into event planning and logistics, including contracts with hosts.
  • Office and utilities: Apply the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle), avoid single-use plastics, and seek sustainable procurement.

Governance
The policy is overseen by NEMO’s Executive Board and implemented through a Sustainability Action Plan managed by our Green Team, with annual reviews and updates.