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Funded and Managed by
City of London Corporation
The London Archives

Sustainability Policy

The London Archives

Introduction

The London Archives (TLA) is committed to supporting environmental sustainability, landfill reduction and reducing not only the amount of carbon waste emitted by the office, but to save costs, in line with the City of London’s Climate Action Strategy 2020-2027 which sets out how the organisation will achieve net zero, build climate resilience and champion sustainable growth, both in the UK and globally, over the next two decades.

By adopting the strategy, the City Corporation has committed to:

  • Achieve net zero carbon emissions from our own operations by 2027
  • Achieve net zero carbon emissions across our investments and supply chain by 2040
  • Support the achievement of net zero for the Square Mile by 2040
  • Invest £68m over six years to support these goals, of which £15m is dedicated to preparing the Square Mile for extreme weather events
  • Build climate resilience and champion sustainable growth

While TLA seeks to minimise its carbon output, the waste it produces and maximise recycling, those aims must be compatible with TLA’s key business requirements, for example, the need to control temperature and humidity environmental controls which are monitored by external bodies and are subject to current and future legislative standards.

TLA is committed to following requirements of BS 4971:2017 ‘Conservation and care of archive and library collections with the amended 2023 ICON guidance which provides standards for repositories to meet in the context of wider environmental climate concerns.

While this policy relates specifically to the TLA site at 40 Northampton Road EC1R 0HB it is applicable also in the strongroom areas under TLA supervision at Guildhall in London EC2.

This policy focuses on two areas:

Our Actions – The measures we are implementing to fulfil our day-to-day work at TLA while aiming to reduce our carbon footprint and operate the archive in a sustainably responsible way.

Our Goals – Areas in which we aim to improve on, and targets we set at TLA. These are to be reviewed every two years to measure our progress and inform future policy targets.

Our Actions

These commitments are directly applicable to the City of London Corporation’s Climate Action Strategy 2020-2027.

TLA’s commitment around plastic waste is in support of the City of London’s plans approved in 2019 ‘to eradicate unnecessary single-use plastic waste at Guildhall and The Mansion House.

TLA’s commitment is also in support of the City of London initiative, 'Plastic Free City', which helps businesses, workers and residents reduce their reliance on unnecessary single-use plastics. The City of London's Single Use Plastic Policy expands on the details.

Carbon and resource management

TLA is committed to responsible carbon and resource management by:

  • Reducing energy costs by diligently assessing our internal uses and encouraging limited use where possible (eg keeping lights turned off in unused areas, controlled plant shutdowns on our air systems)
  • Taking a collection specific approach to managing the environmental controls of our stores to assist in increasing energy efficiency. We aim to operate within a margin of +/- 10% to the suggested, standard climate controls
  • Increasing energy efficiency in the buildings which it operates
  • Reducing carbon emissions
  • Reducing fossil fuel consumption
  • Increasing use of renewable energy
  • Investing in clean energy efficient technologies
  • Reducing environmental impact arising from energy consumption
  • Considering the City’s Energy Code of Practice on all works affecting the design/maintenance of its buildings

Waste management

Specifically, TLA is committed to responsible waste management and reducing waste by:

  • Seeking to maximise the reduction, re-use and recycling of waste material (including the provision of on-site recycling facilities)
  • Committing to City of London’s Circular Economy Strategy. The City Corporation outline their aim to be a circular organisation by 2040 in the waste strategy and future plans statement
  • Using waste transfer routes in-line with current legislation
  • Continuing to raise awareness of environmental issues amongst staff and users and encouraging the use of best environmental practice wherever possible
  • Seeking to maximise the reduction, re-use and recycling of waste material (including the provision of on-site recycling facilities)

Procurement

TLA is committed to investigating environmentally acceptable alternatives in the selection of required materials which are made from sustainable resources, and which are locally procured. For example: furniture and fittings, building work, conservation and preservation materials, vehicles, imaging equipment and processing, computer equipment, paper, cartridges, energy, water.

TLA is committed to reducing the impact of its own, its staff and appointed agents’ use of transport on the environment. Careful consideration by staff of the impact of transporting goods and services should be always taken. For example, vans should be used effectively and efficiently in transporting archives and goods by combining trips and staff should be encouraged to use public transport and where possible cycle and walk to work. TLA operates three electric-powered vans.

Monitoring performance

TLA’s 2024 Energy Performance Operational Rating is B (46), which is recorded on our Display Energy Certificate.

Recycling

Recycling at TLA is certificated by the recycling contractor annually and has been since the scheme began in 2003, with data provided on total kg of recycling and estimated kg of CO2 savings. TLA follow the new legislation as implemented in March 2025 to simplify waste and recycling streams including food waste.

Wider policies

TLA is committed to implementing and supporting the Corporate Environmental policy in line with the Climate Action Strategy 2020-2027.

  • ‘Raising awareness of environmental issues and encourage the use of best practice in all areas of operation and partnership working’
  • 'Working towards a low carbon future to achieve significant reductions in energy use and greenhouse gases emission from the City's buildings and activities. Reducing, reusing and recycling waste. Working towards a sustainable and integrated transport system in the Square Mile, which reduces the negative impacts of transport use on the environment. Strategic action plan.'

TLA will promote carbon management through its operations by the following actions:

  • Developing in house initiatives to promote carbon management
  • Review performance and review at Sustainability Group
  • Support and use of renewable energy where possible, including maintaining and monitoring performance of TLA solar panels

TLA will promote sound waste management by:

  • Setting guidance and standards across all areas of the building
  • Increase awareness of reducing, reusing and recycling waste amongst employees and users
  • Review performance regularly through monthly recycling audit

The staff responsible for implementing these actions are:

  • The Sustainability Group, made of TLA staff from across different departments which help drive action and monitor this policy
  • All staff on site at TLA who receive advice on induction

Management and implementation

The Operations Manager, supported by the Senior Operations Officer, is responsible for energy management and other initiatives including reducing, reusing and recycling waste including that generated through stationery and equipment supplies, lights, water and heating, procurement and related cost reductions. The Operations Manager reports to the monthly Operations Management Meeting, raising matters arising from the implementation of this policy, with support from the Director and Assistant Director.

All TLA team managers are responsible for applying the provisions of this policy within the day-to-day work of their team and liaising with the Sustainability Working Group for support and guidance.

All TLA staff, volunteers, contractors, interns, users are assigned responsibility for controlling energy consumption across TLA with the advice of the Sustainability Group.

Sustainability Group

The Sustainability Group is a cross department working group set up to monitor and improve sustainable practice around TLA. This includes implementing in-house recycling schemes, improving carbon awareness and finding improvements in our indirect carbon emissions.

The Sustainability Group will act as a forum for suggestions, discussion, implementing changes and will provide advice and guidance on how consumption and expenditure should be managed.

The internal sustainability newsletter is created by the group and issued to TLA staff quarterly following group meetings.

Procedure and updates will be regularly communicated through the sustainability newsletter, public news articles, website, displays in public rooms, staff induction and training. This process is monitored and produced by the Sustainability Group.

Our Goals

At TLA, we actively seek ways in which we can expand sustainable practice in all areas of our work. This includes setting goals and identifying new targets which can improve and innovate in our drive for sustainability.

Goals for the two-year review period of this policy are set out below. They are reviewed by the Sustainability Group and progress is reported to the monthly Operations Meeting, to TLA staff through the channels set out above, and our peer community.

  • Achieve a Circular Economy where possible, making as many items as possible dual use
  • Eliminate use of Perspex stands in our exhibition space
  • Stop using plastic washers on customer folders, replacing with cardboard washers. Introduce use of scrap circular cut outs
  • Start donating lever arch files, plastic wallets and other office supplies that have been removed from new collections acquisitions and are in good condition
  • Start recycling aerosol cans from the Conservation Studio
  • Audit bins across site to make sure waste is being recycled or disposed of effectively
  • Provide better labelling on all bins to make sure they are used correctly
  • Encourage staff to re-use cotton tape on items when it is clean and in good condition
  • Explore possibilities for more sustainable exhibitions display materials. Where possible, moving away from using magnets or foam board. If alternatives are not available research robust recycling options
  • Research the implementation of passive controls in all strong rooms
  • Carbon Literacy Training for Sustainability Group

Feedback

Please complete a comment form at The London Archives or contact us if you wish to give feedback on this policy.

This policy will be reviewed at least every two years to make sure it remains timely and relevant. It was last reviewed in April 2025.