In Conversation with Heath Lowndes of Gallery Climate Coalition

As climate urgency reshapes every sector, the art world is beginning to confront its own environmental responsibilities, from the carbon footprint of shipping to the sustainability of materials. Few organisations have been more instrumental in catalysing this shift than the Gallery Climate Coalition (GCC), whose carbon calculator, toolkits and advocacy have been pivotal in advancing climate action for galleries worldwide.

In line with the ethos of Gallery Les Bois, London’s first sustainability-led commercial gallery, I spoke with Heath Lowndes, Director and Co-founder of the GCC, on the organisation’s first five years. We discussed the early challenges faced in galleries adopting emissions tracking, how climate tools are now informing both curatorial and logistical decisions, and what Frances Morris’s recent appointment as GCC Chair signals for the sector’s future. For Les Bois, where sustainability underpins every aspect of its operations, these insights resonate with a broader ambition: to embed environmental responsibility not at the margins, but at the centre of cultural practice and collecting.

What were the biggest challenges when you first asked galleries to measure their emissions, and what ultimately convinced them to get on board? How do you see a gallery like Les Bois, with its ongoing commitment to sustainability, contributing to overcoming these barriers and encouraging others in the sector to follow suit?

When we first asked galleries to begin measuring their emissions, the biggest challenge was simply getting started. Many didn’t know how or feared what the results might reveal. For small teams already juggling limited time and resources, the process felt too technical and burdensome. But what ultimately helped was offering sector-specific, accessible tools—like our Carbon Calculator, paired with a clear framework and a growing community of peers doing the same. As more early adopters stepped forward, it shifted the tone from one of guilt to one of empowerment.

We also introduced supportive resources like our Decarbonisation Action Plan and “Green Team” guidance, which helped organisations build internal structures, share the workload, and embed climate action into day-to-day operations. The introduction of our Active Membership scheme created further positive motivation, offering recognition for those leading the way.

Galleries like Les Bois play a vital role in breaking down barriers. By placing sustainability at the heart of their operations, they show how ambition can be practical—and how climate-conscious practice can be part of the sector’s everyday rhythm, not an afterthought. This kind of leadership is crucial to shifting norms and inspiring others to follow suit.

Five years after the launch of the GCC carbon calculator, how has it shifted day-to-day decision-making in galleries and artist studios? Can you share an example of a change that surprised you?

Five years on, the GCC Carbon Calculator has shifted the conversation in the visual arts from vague intentions to tangible action in so many ways. In that time, the tool has had over 30,000 unique users. What was once seen as too technical or daunting is now part of everyday decision-making for many of our members. The tool has demystified emissions tracking, giving users a simple, accessible way to take responsibility and make informed choices. Since we relaunched it last year with expanded functionality and improved accuracy, its usability has remained a key strength—even first-time users can get started with little to no training.

Perhaps the most surprising development has been just the sheer range of innovative ways it’s being used. Beyond annual emissions reporting, members have applied the Calculator in funding applications, collections management, hardware procurement, even to display carbon data in exhibitions or include emissions estimates on invoices. These creative uses reflect how quickly sustainability has become embedded in daily operations.

It’s a powerful reminder that small, practical tools—when well-designed and openly shared—can catalyse widespread cultural change.

The sector is global but fragmented – what does localized climate action look like in the art world?

Localized climate action in the art world means understanding the specific emissions hotspots, infrastructure challenges, and cultural dynamics of each region. A solution that works in Berlin may not translate directly to São Paulo or Seoul. That’s why we encourage decentralised, context-aware strategies, whether it’s adjusting HVAC settings in a museum, rethinking flight-heavy programming, or working with local suppliers for sustainable materials.

Ultimately, the climate crisis is global, but the solutions must be place-based. That’s where our community model and international network becomes so powerful—sharing knowledge, learning from each other, and adapting best practice to the specific conditions on the ground.

At Les Bois, we are committed to integrating sustainable values into both our operations and programming, with a focus on transparency. From your experience, how can environmental transparency help contribute to creating a greener and fairer art world?

Transparency builds trust and trust enables change. When galleries and institutions openly share their climate data, targets, and progress, it not only shows accountability but encourages others to do the same. It shifts the focus from perfection to progress. Transparency also helps highlight where support is needed, whether it's additional training, resources, or systemic changes to the supply chain.

For GCC, transparency has been a cornerstone from day one. It allows us to advocate for collective action with integrity and to celebrate incremental successes, even as we work toward broader, structural change.

Frances Morris’s leadership at Tate was significant in embedding sustainability into institutional practices, notably through Tate’s 2019 Climate Emergency declaration. With her now becoming Chair of GCC’s Board of Trustees, what are the immediate priorities for the Coalition, and how do you envision her experience in curating global, socially conscious initiatives shaping the next phase of the art world’s response to the climate crisis?

We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome Frances Morris as Chair of GCC’s Board of Trustees. Frances brings an exceptional combination of curatorial vision, institutional leadership, and a long-standing commitment to environmental and social justice. Her appointment comes at a pivotal moment—GCC’s fifth anniversary and the critical midpoint to our 2030 climate targets.

Our immediate priorities include expanding the reach and impact of our tools—particularly the Carbon Calculator—embedding environmental responsibility into funding and policy structures, and strengthening cross-sector collaboration with collectors, institutions, and art fairs globally. Frances’s experience operating at the highest levels of the international art world will be instrumental in helping us align creative ambition with environmental accountability.

As we move into our next chapter, we’re determined to be effective in new ways. Frances’s leadership will shape how we do that—with renewed clarity, reach, and resolve. Her appointment signals a step-change for GCC and our sector: a shared commitment to embedding sustainability not as an add-on, but as a core value of cultural work.

We’re currently developing a refreshed strategy, new messaging, and campaigns to reflect this. With Frances at the helm, we’re excited to invite others to help us define and drive the next phase of change.