Change is the only constant with Elise Foster Vander Elst, The Design Museum

In this episode, Emma sits down with Elise Foster Vander Elst from the Design Museum to discuss the significant role museums can play in driving sustainability and tackling the climate emergency. The conversation reveals how museums leverage their trusted status, how collective action sparks innovation, and how every job can contribute to meaningful environmental change.

Key Topics & HighlightsRole of Environmental Impact Lead

Elise Foster Vander Elst shares her dual role at the Design Museum, overseeing exhibitions and leading sustainability practices from material reduction to influencing departmental decarbonisation 01:14.

Staff Numbers & Agility

The Design Museum, with around 100 staff and many volunteers, is described as a “mini speedboat” able to act swiftly, unlike larger institutions 01:51.

Public Expectations vs. Awareness

Insights from the Act Green Survey: 77% of respondents think museums should influence on climate, but only 17% believe museums are prioritising it—highlighting a disconnect 02:58.

Museums as Trusted Messengers

Museums (and curators) are amongst the UK’s most trusted professions, behind only nurses, librarians, doctors, and teachers (05:40).

The Power of Community and Networks

Elise Foster Vander Elst describes collaborative initiatives among museums and cultural institutions, such as the South Ken Zen Network and shared sustainability programmes 08:11.

Local and Sector-wide Collective Action