Christie’s Launches Environmental Sustainability Initiatives
Auction house Christie’s announced today its new Global Sustainability Initiative, including pledging to achieve net zero emissions by 2030, and committing to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) to align with a 1.5°C warming trajectory.
Guillaume Cerutti, Christie’s Chief Executive Officer, said:
“As a market leader, Christie’s has a special responsibility in terms of protecting our environment and building a more sustainable business for now and for the future. We are committing to defined targets and transparent communication of our progress, while supporting collaboration across the industry.”
Christie’s new sustainability goals include a 50% reduction in its carbon emissions, achieving 90% diversion from landfill for its waste and providing all clients with packaging and printed material that is 100% recyclable. According to the company, efforts will focus on four key areas which make the most significant contribution to emissions, including shipping and logistics; business travel; energy, waste and water from the company’s buildings, and; printed materials.
The company has also made new transparency pledges, committing to annual reporting of future emissions and its progress towards targets, beginning this year. Christies stated that it worked with leading sustainability consultants Avieco to complete a review of all operational activities and measure its current global emissions.
Additionally, Christie’s stated that it will take a collaborative approach with suppliers and other stakeholders to work to reduce the collective environmental footprint up and down the supply chain. The company announced that it has joined the Gallery Climate Coalition (GCC) a non-profit organisation founded by a voluntary group of London-based gallerists and professionals, aiming to help the art world reduce its impact on the climate and to develop a meaningful and industry-specific response to the growing climate crisis.
Tom Woolston, Global Head of Operations and leading Christie’s Sustainability program, said:
“From now on, the lens of sustainability must inform all of our activities. We understand that making good on these commitments will require a shift in culture and recognise that there is much to be done to adapt across the business.”