By far the highest emissions, as expected, were generated during the implementation phase. In this phase, procured goods for the exhibition architecture and spaces were also accounted for—ranging from 250 kg of aluminum sheets borrowed from the architects to 2g paper clips used for the wall texts. Not only were the emissions from the products themselves recorded, but also those from transportation.

Additionally, energy emissions from services were calculated, including the production of exhibition graphics, flyers, the catalog, and pitches from various graphic design agencies. A significant factor in this phase was mobility-related emissions, caused by staff, service providers, external speakers, and—by far the largest share—visitor travel to the exhibition.

In total, over 900 tons of CO₂ equivalents were generated, with 788 tons attributed to visitor travel. The data for visitor mobility was taken from the museum’s annual visitor survey and an additional survey conducted at the exhibition entrance. These figures were then extrapolated to the total of 74,000 visitors.

Results

New Aesthetics with Minimal Climate Impact: Part 6 – Product Carbon Footprint