Powerhouse Climate Action Plan 2022–2025
‘The foundation of our response to climate change is drawn from the knowledge, understanding and ingenuity of First Nations peoples to care for Country in ways that are inherently sustainable.’
This panel launching the Powerhouse Climate Action Plan was recorded at Powerhouse Ultimo as part of 100 Climate Conversations.
Following an introduction by Powerhouse chief executive Lisa Havilah, a panel featuring Powerhouse First Nations director, Emily McDaniel, First Nations collaborator Terri Janke, and Powerhouse sustainability manager Carmel Reyes discusses the Powerhouse inaugural Climate Action Plan and its commitment of achieving net zero operational carbon emissions by 2025.
Sustainability is integral to the Powerhouse renewal, which presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to embed low carbon solutions into Powerhouse infrastructure to reduce its operational environmental impact and improve its responsiveness to climate, season and sustainability.
Good morning, everyone, and welcome to the Powerhouse. My name is Lisa Havilah and I’m the chief executive of the Powerhouse museum. I acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the ancestral homelands upon which our museums are situated. We respect their Elders past, present and future and recognise their continuous connection to Country. Today we are recording a very special episode of 100 Climate Conversations to launch the Powerhouse Climate Action Plan. The foundation of our response to climate change is drawn from the knowledge, understanding and ingenuity of First Nations peoples to care for Country in ways that are inherently sustainable. The Powerhouse Climate Action Plan sets out a clear path across our infrastructure, program, practices to achieve net zero operational emissions by 2025.This commitment places Powerhouse in a global leadership position. Sustainability is integral to the Powerhouse’s landmark $1.5 billion renewal spearheaded by the creation of Powerhouse Parramatta, research and public facilities at Powerhouse Castle Hill, the renewal of the iconic Powerhouse Museum here in Ultimo, alongside the ongoing operation of the Sydney Observatory. Powerhouse will embed sustainability and collection management and prioritise collaboration and research with industry thought leaders and reduce carbon emission impacts associated with exhibition design and program development. To achieve the ambitious targets set in our Climate Action Plan, collaboration is key.I would like to acknowledge and warmly thank our key partners, instrumental to the development and implementation of this plan who are with us today, including our New South Wales Government partners, Infrastructure New South Wales and the sustainable government team; local government partners City of Sydney and City of Parramatta; Powerhouse Parramatta construction partner, Lendlease; Consultants 100% Renewables, LCI and ESGplus and of course, Terri Janke and Company. Today, we’ll give an insight into the development of the plan and how it will be realised across the museum and it gives me the greatest pleasure to introduce today’s guests, Powerhouse First Nations director Emily McDaniel, First Nations collaborator Terri Janke, Powerhouse climate action and sustainability manager Carmel Reyes. Please join me in welcoming them.
