The heritage sector plays an important role in helping to tackle climate change and protect our natural world. We’re looking for environmentally sustainable projects or exhibitions that help to achieve this.

The award, previously known as Sustainable Project of the Year, is free to enter and open until 29 January 2027.

This work is more relevant than ever, and we can't wait to celebrate the exciting sustainability projects that the sector has delivered in the past year.

Alistair Brown, Head of Museums, Libraries and Archives Policy at The National Lottery Heritage Fund

The award helps to shine a light on creative approaches that can also inspire others to embed sustainability at the heart of what they do.

Who is eligible to enter?

The award is open to all museums, galleries and archives as well as digital, cultural, natural and built heritage organisations and visitor attractions.

Entries must be based in the UK and the project or exhibition must have been delivered in 2026.

What does the award recognise?

The award commends outstanding environmentally sustainable projects or exhibitions that demonstrate best practice in managing or communicating environmental impacts.

Entries may have used, for example, energy efficiency measures, green visitor travel planning or unique approaches to engaging audiences with the climate crisis. You should also identify any wider economic, social or environmental benefits to the organisation or community that have come from ‘thinking sustainably’.  

There will be up to two winners

1. One which has used simple, affordable and easily-transferable approaches.
2. One which has environmental sustainability embedded at its heart.

For inspiration, take a look at some of our previous winners including Lambeth Palace and Gloucestershire Archives in 2026 and Stourbridge Glass Museum and Railworld Wildlife Haven in 2025.

Key dates

• Entry deadline: 29 January 2027
• Shortlist announced: mid-March 2027
• Winners announced at an awards ceremony: 12 May 2027

Supporting nature and the environment

Alistair Brown, Head of Museums, Libraries and Archives Policy at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “We are really proud to sponsor this award, which is all about showcasing the best environmental projects in the heritage sector and encouraging others to take action.

“We’ve had some truly inspiring previous winners and we’re looking forward to seeing your entries this year. This work is more relevant than ever, and we can't wait to celebrate the exciting sustainability projects that the sector has delivered in the past year.”

Visit the Museums + Heritage awards website for more information and to apply.

Run an environmentally sustainable project

Find out what we expect from the projects we fund and discover some tips on being environmentally sustainable:

• read our environmental sustainability guidance
• explore our protecting the environment investment principle
• get inspiration on how to consider environmental sustainability in your project