The Irish Traditional Music Archive is committed to a sustainable future.  This plan has been informed by the Arts Council Climate Action Programme and should be read in conjunction with ITMA’s Climate Action Policy

Actions that ITMA will take

1. Appoint a sustainability champion and a Green Team 

Maeve Gebruers has been appointed as ITMA’s sustainability champion, with help from the Governance Officer, a member of the Administration Team and a member of the Board.  This Green Team will take ownership of this plan, share it with staff and monitor progress on implementing all measures.

2. Staff training 

All staff are required to complete the Individual Sustainability Pass provided by SkillNet‘s Climate Ready Academy https://www.climatereadyacademy.ie/sustainability-pass/ and to have that training completed by the end of 2025.  This will also be incorporated into induction procedures for new staff members.

The Green Team will investigate other training opportunities for staff and choose appropriate courses, for example through the SEAI training academy (https://www.seai.ie/energyacademy/).  Staff will also be encouraged to identify training modules, and time and budget will be allocated to allow them to complete this training.

3. Behavioural change 

Completing the sustainability training will identify behavioural changes that individual staff members can make to help ITMA reduce its carbon footprint.  Encouragement to change staff behaviours will also be offered by:

• Tracking ITMA’s energy use by using available online tools and keeping staff informed of progress
• Posters and signs around the building and in internal messaging platforms to remind people of the actions they can take.  These include areas such as Behaviour in the building; Business travel; Digital housekeeping; Device management; Water usage and Printer use
• Monitoring waste and educating staff on correct disposal methods for glass, plastic, cardboard, food waste, batteries, plastic bottles and old computer equipment.

4. Changes to the building 

73 Merrion Square is owned by the Office of Public Works (OPW) and ITMA leases it from them.  It is an historic, listed building.  In conjunction with the OPW there are many ways to ensure that the building is as energy efficient as a building from this period can be.

In conjunction with the OPW, ITMA will explore the feasibility of making the following changes to the building to increase energy efficiency.

• Ensure that all light-fittings use energy-efficient bulbs and replace some with sensor lights that will turn off automatically, such as in the toilet blocks
• Set timers on the heaters to maximise their efficiency, and keep the temperatures set between 19 and 22 degrees.
• Investigate the possibility of installing solar panels, air-to-heat pumps or other environmentally friendly devices, bearing in mind the need for planning and other regulations.
• Carry out an energy audit on the building
• Refurbish original shutters throughout so that they can be closed at night and help to retain heat in the building during the winter months.
• Continue to maintain ITMA’s small basement garden and enhance it with pollinator-friendly plants.

5. Getting to work  

All staff will be encouraged and supported to travel as sustainably as possible to the workplace.

• TaxSaver tickets for Luas, rail and bus transport
• Bike2Work scheme
• Bike parking and bike maintenance equipment are available in the carpark at the rear of the house.
• Facilitate remote online meetings and collaborations where possible
• ITMA have a remote working policy to which all staff have access through the Employee Handbook.

6. Goods and services  

ITMA staff will be mindful of ‘embodied carbon’, (emissions arising from the production, manufacturing and transport of the materials and goods consumed).

• All purchases of archival storage materials and digital access solutions will be examined for their sustainability
• We will ensure that sustainable materials are used to produce any future ITMA merchandise and publications
• Local supplier options will be prioritised
• The environmental cost will be weighed up in any purchasing decisions
• Second-hand purchases will be considered where appropriate.

7. Tours, events and programming 

ITMA will adopt a culture of sustainable event management and programming for internal and external events by

• Developing and promoting digital alternatives to printed materials, such as digital programs, tickets, and promotional materials.
• Creating incentives for public transport, cycling, and carpooling for staff, musicians, and event attendees
• Choosing venues whose environmental philosophies align with those of ITMA
• Eco-conscious catering options
• Consider online events and streaming of live events where appropriate
• Using the ITMA platform to highlight environmental issues on creative and practical levels.

8. Monitoring 

ITMA will monitor progress through all the steps in this policy by recording:

• Electricity and gas consumption
• Business travel
• Water usage
• Operational Materials and Waste

Implementation of this Climate Action Plan will be included in the creation of the new ITMA strategy from 2025 onwards. ITMA will also work with partners in the Cultural Heritage sector to advocate for sustainable practices across the sector

By the end of 2025 it is ITMA’s ambition that:

• All staff will have completed the mandatory training, and it will be incorporated into the staff induction process for incoming staff.
• Sustainability is on the agenda of every staff meeting and has the support of all staff members.
• Reporting on the Climate Action Plan is a standing item at ITMA Board meetings.
• ITMA’s use of carbon has been measured using templates provided by the Arts Council