As a Library and Museum Service we are committed to reducing our environmental impact, minimising our carbon footprint and supporting the RCN’s position on climate change.

We aim to embed sustainability across all our working practices and service delivery, and we are committed to regularly reviewing our systems, services and facilities to identify opportunities for improvement.

The RCN has physical library sites in London, Cardiff, Belfast, and Edinburgh. The London site is open long hours, six days a week. We have identified our largest environmental impacts as:

• energy use across library spaces, including lighting and computer equipment
• commuting and transport related to staff and services.

• We use nationally negotiated purchasing schemes for resource acquisition.
• We participate in reciprocal inter-lending schemes nationally and internationally.
• We promote services and resources to increase value for money and efficiency.
• We are a Committee Member of the M25 Sustainability Group.

• We have agreed to reduce the number of deliveries with our suppliers, challenging the ‘next day’ delivery model, which has been a default for many years.
• We use Anybook or Better World Books as our book disposal partners, ensuring withdrawn books that are reused or recycled.
• We no longer cover our books in plastic.
• We avoid single-use plastics, glitter, and non-recyclable materials in our art engagement activities.
• Where available, we offer recycling for paper, batteries, medicine blister packs, disposable face masks and latex/nitrile gloves.
• We use recycled and recyclable material in our exhibitions wherever possible, including reusable aluminium frames for our display panels to reduce the use of plastic or foamboard. Introductory panels and magnetic boards used in exhibitions are de-installed and recycled by Jupiter.
• We reuse envelopes and stationery wherever possible.

• We close during RCN closure days to reduce unnecessary energy usage.
• Water fountains are available in all libraries.
• All libraries have LED lights.
• We have a Switch Off policy when leaving the library or office where light motion sensors are not installed.

• We switch off all PCs overnight.
• Our PCs enter standby mode after a few minutes of inactivity.

• Our photocopiers enter a low energy ‘sleep’ mode after two minutes of inactivity.
• We provide the option to scan free of charge instead of photocopying.

• During Green Libraries Week 2025, we ran a birdfeeder making event. This year, we will be hosting a climate-focused reading group.
• Our events use reusable cups and cutlery, and we prioritise plant‑based catering wherever possible.
• You Mean the World: Nursing in a Climate Crisis, our past exhibition exploring industrial nursing and air pollution, reusable vs single‑use tools, and nursing activism. The exhibition is also available to view online.
• We actively promote the use of public transport to attend library and museum events
• Our Sustainable Nursing Practice subject guide contains key resources, books, and journals.

• Care for print books so they last longer. Each book loan saves 0.7kg of carbon compared with buying new.
• Bring a reusable water bottle and refill at our water fountains, and a reusable cup for hot drinks.
• Reduce your printing: print double sided where you can or use scanning instead.
• Avoid printing paper receipts for book loans at the self-service machine.
• Enable power-saving settings on mobiles and laptops and switch off devices when not in use.
• Unplug chargers once devices are charged.
• Recycle paper, batteries, cardboard, drinks cans, blister packs, disposable face masks and gloves using the appropriate library recycling points.
• Put waste in the correct bin – avoid contaminating recycling with unsuitable or wet waste.
• Measure your own carbon footprint.

• We will facilitate annual de-cluttering of staff offices including stationary and digital spaces.
• We will review the carbon footprint of our exhibition model as part of changes to the HQ Library & Museum space.