BREEAM-NL uses nine categories to assess the building and how it is managed and used. These categories include energy, materials, water, waste, health, and management. The Van Gogh Museum has introduced a range of measures to improve sustainability in recent years, resulting in the impressive ratings of ‘Very Good’ for the building and its management, and ‘Excellent’ for its use.
Sustainability targets for 2030
In addition to the sustainability targets for its buildings, the Van Gogh Museum has also set targets for mental well-being and the environment. The museum also adheres to the Sustainable Development Goals determined by the United Nations for 2030.
Several targets:
- By 2030, the Van Gogh Museum will have reduced CO2 emissions by 100% compared to 2019.
- By 2030, the museum will use 55% less electricity and 28% less natural gas compared to 2019. And since 2015, the museum has switched to sustainable and renewable sources, instead of grey energy and natural gas.
- When designing and using (raw) materials, the museum ensures that they can be dismantled, are modular and flexible, and that they can be reused.
- The Van Gogh Museum wants to reduce the volume of waste it produces by half. Waste is separated whenever possible. And products and materials are reused whenever possible.
- The Van Gogh Museum is committed to making a positive contribution to the good (mental) health and well-being of its staff, visitors, suppliers, partners and other stakeholders.
- The Van Gogh Museum wants to reflect society and sets great store by inclusivity and the diversity of its staff, visitors, partners, suppliers and other stakeholders.
- By 2030, the Van Gogh Museum will fully comply with the International Social Provisions. This means that we focus keenly on partnerships and suppliers who take their supply chain responsibility seriously, and identify and report abuses of people, nature and the environment.
New BREEAM-NL certificate in 2023
In 2023, the Van Gogh Museum was awarded a new BREEAM-NL certificate. Many changes were introduced in order to achieve this, including with regard to biodiversity, circularity, inclusivity and accessibility.
Several examples:
- LED lighting is used in the museum, which can be configured and adjusted for each artwork. This considerably reduces energy usage.
- Indigenous plants have been selected for the garden in front of the museum. Chemicals are no longer used when cleaning or maintaining the outside of the museum.
- The Van Gogh Museum has joined ‘MuseumGoed’, which facilitates the reuse of exhibition materials, and the circulation of such materials amongst museums. This reduces purchasing costs and waste.
- The museum is making the building and collection accessible for people with a physical or sensory limitation. With regard to inclusion, the museum organises e.g. special activities for young people with mental health conditions, and for elderly people who are unable to travel to the museum without assistance.
DHL GoGreen Climate Neutral Certificate
As the Van Gogh Museum's logistics partner, DHL Express is responsible for shipping all orders placed in the Van Gogh Museum Shop. In doing so, the express carrier offsets CO2 emissions through its GoGreen Climate Neutral Programme.
The Van Gogh Museum receives an annual DHL GoGreen Climate Neutral certificate, which provides insight into the emissions from the transportation of the shipments, and how these emissions are offset in climate protection projects. More information about DHL's GoGreen Climate Neutral Programme can be found on their website.