How to consider environmental sustainability in your heritage project

Climate change is already impacting our society, our natural environment and our heritage.
We want all the projects we fund to reduce the effects of climate change, assist places and people to adapt to our changing planet, and to support nature’s recovery across the UK.
We expect them all to have a positive impact on our environment and we factor a project’s environmental impact into our decision making.
We expect to see environmental sustainability embedded into applicants' decision making.
This applies to all projects – whether our funding is supporting an entire landscape, regeneration of a local park, a museum refurbishment or bringing a community together.
What we expect from projects
To reach our environmental sustainability requirement, we expect all projects we fund to:
- limit any potential damage to the environment
- make a positive impact on the environment and particularly for nature
Including environmental sustainability within your project right from the beginning will mean your project is likely to be more resilient, financially sustainable and have multiple benefits for people and the community.
We expect to see environmental sustainability embedded into applicants' decision making. You should also think about how to measure your environmental sustainability and ensure that this is part of your evaluation strategy.
Essential links
Our environmental sustainability requirement.
Read our in-depth good practice guidance.
Access practical support from the Fit for the Future network.

Publications
Environmental sustainability guidance

Basic Page
How we're tackling climate change

News
Join us in sharing your #PlanetaryPromise this week

Projects
HHA2019 Cairngorms 2030: people and nature thriving together
We have awarded nearly £12.5million to a life-changing project aiming to preserve the UK’s biggest National Park, bringing communities together to help nature and improve wellbeing.

Blogs
Time for a change: outdoor learning for every child

Projects
HHA2019 Peatland Progress: A New Vision for the Fens
We have awarded more than £8million to this ground-breaking project that addresses climate change, carbon emissions, biodiversity loss and the mental health and wellbeing of young people.
Projects
HHA2019 Plymouth Sound National Marine Park
We are granting £9.5million to support the creation of Plymouth Sound's 'Park in the Sea', helping communities and tackling the effects of climate change.

Projects
Skell Valley Project - revealing, restoring and celebrating the river and its heritage
Skell Valley in North Yorkshire is frequently impacted by flooding due to the effects of climate change.

Blogs
Green Future: finding out what nature means to Coventry

News
Scotland's Flow to the Future to tackle climate change

Blogs
Green Futures: art, drone shows and the spectacle of nature
News
£5million to improve access to nature and combat climate change
News
Four projects shortlisted for excellence in environmental sustainability

Stories
Case study: Penzance Jubilee Pool
Publications
Local Places for Nature and Community Woodlands decisions, February 2022
News
Bringing England’s species Back from the Brink of extinction

News
£300,000 nature funding for under-served communities in Wales
Publications
Local Places for Nature and Community Woodlands decisions, 29 November 2021
Publications
Local Places for Nature and Community Woodlands decisions, 1 November 2021
News
Bumblebee champions win National Lottery Project of the Year Award

Stories
Could you be the Sustainable Project of the Year 2022?

Stories