Helping to Reduce the Carbon Footprint of Art Shipping

Established over a century ago, Constantine is an industry leader in fine arts logistics, offering unparalleled expertise and service in the transportation and storage of fine art. Our history is marked by a commitment to excellence, ensuring artworks and artefacts are professionally cared for whilst in our possession. We have consistently adapted to the evolving needs of our clients, which include prestigious galleries, museums, and private collectors worldwide.

Beyond logistics, we understand the broader impact of our operations on the environment. The importance of sustainability in logistics cannot be overstated, particularly against the backdrop of escalating climate change concerns.

The carbon footprint of art shipping, a critical component of our industry, has come under increasing scrutiny, prompting a re-evaluation of traditional practices and the adoption of more sustainable methods.

We recognise our responsibility in this regard and seek to lead by example. Our dedication to increased sustainability is a response to growing environmental concerns and a core aspect of our ethos. We are committed to further developing sustainable art shipping practices and reducing the carbon footprint of our operations.

The Importance of Sustainability in Art Logistics

The environmental impact of traditional art shipping methods is a growing concern within the art world and beyond. Art transportation, particularly by air, is one of the main contributors to CO2 emissions within the industry. Alongside this, non-recyclable one-time-use packing materials also impact the environment. Such practices, whilst ensuring the physical safety of art, require reconsideration.

In response to the impact of these methods, there has been a noticeable shift in the demand for greener logistics solutions. Museums, galleries, and private collectors are increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of their activities, including the transportation of art. This shift is driven not only by a moral obligation to the planet’s future but also by growing scrutiny from the public and stakeholders who expect high standards of environmental stewardship. Consequently, the art logistics sector is seeing a rising demand for services that align with these green principles, urging a transition towards more sustainable practices.

This push towards sustainability in art logistics aligns with broader global objectives. The focus of initiatives like the Gallery Climate Coalition is to encourage changes in behaviour and reduce carbon emissions by 50% by the year 2030. Such targets align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, which aim to combat climate change and its impacts.

In this context, the logistics sector plays a key role. Adopting more sustainable practices can significantly reduce the sector’s carbon footprint and contribute to global efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change. The challenge is considerable, but we believe it is possible with proactive measures.

Constantine’s Sustainability Commitment

Our dedication to sustainability is part of our operational ethos. We employ comprehensive measures that cover every aspect of our operations, from reducing waste to enhancing energy efficiency and minimising our carbon footprint.

A key element of our sustainability strategy is our partnership with Planet Mark, a collaboration which underscores our commitment to environmental stewardship. Planet Mark is a sustainability certification recognised for its rigorous standards, focusing on continual improvement in sustainability by encouraging businesses to reduce their carbon emissions year after year. Our work with Planet Mark is not only a testament to our dedication but also a strategic pathway towards achieving our sustainability goals. Through this partnership, we receive guidance and support in measuring and reducing our carbon footprint and implementing sustainability measures that are both effective and verifiable.

This partnership signifies our comprehensive approach to sustainability, encompassing not just the operational aspects of our business but also our broader impact on the community and environment. The objectives of this collaboration include:

• Accurately measuring our carbon footprint to establish a clear baseline for action.
• Implementing targeted actions to reduce our carbon emissions across all areas of our operations.
• Engaging our employees, partners, and clients in our sustainability journey, encouraging a culture of environmental responsibility.

Our commitment to reducing the carbon footprint of our practices is unwavering. We are actively pursuing strategies to mitigate our environmental impact and set new sustainability standards within the art logistics sector.

Constantine’s Sustainable Practices

Our sustainability efforts extend beyond our partnership with Planet Mark. We employ a multi-faceted approach that integrates various practices and collaborations.

Constantine London West

Our state-of-the-art storage facility was designed with sustainability at its core. It features ground source heating, an innovative renewable energy source which harnesses the natural heat stored in the earth. This system eliminates the use of natural gas and significantly reduces the facility’s carbon emissions, cutting energy use by 75%.

In addition to this system, we utilise roof-mounted solar panels to provide another renewable energy source and reduce energy consumption by 35%. Excess energy generated by the building is exported back into the national grid.

Our sustainable urban drainage system stores and filters rainwater. This helps to reduce the risk of flooding and pollution in the surrounding area and helps to minimise our water usage as filtered rainwater is used for other tasks, such as the vehicle cleaning system.

The London West facility is equipped with multiple electric vehicle charging stations to encourage the use of electric vehicles and, as a result, reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Turtle Crates

Our exclusive UK partnership with Turtle is an example of our proactive approach to adopting sustainable packing solutions. Turtle’s reusable crate systems represent a significant advancement in reducing waste and enhancing the efficiency of art logistics. Each reusable crate has a lifespan of over 25 years.

Hire Crates

We provide clients with the option of our hire crating service. With over 200 reusable crates available, including picture, object, and slotted variations. The crates are constructed to a high museum specification and are used by leading UK institutions. This service not only reduces waste but also lessens the environmental impact associated with producing new crates.

A Shared Vision for the Future of Art Shipping

As we continue to embed sustainable practices in our operations, we will work with clients and the wider industry to prioritise environmentally friendly practices and partnerships. Through collaboratively embracing these challenges, we can make a significant impact, collectively reducing our carbon footprint and championing eco-friendly practices.