MUSA is going greener

Tuesday 26 August 2014

Musa exterior

The Museum of the University of St Andrews (MUSA) has attained the top standard for sustainability from the Green Tourism Business Scheme.

As MUSA is one of the University’s greenest buildings, the University submitted an application to the Green Tourism Business Scheme, an organisation which supports sustainable tourism and helps tourism businesses to develop through a grading program. The scheme assesses their energy and water efficiency, waste management and support of local culture.

Through the scheme, MUSA has been recognised for its continual commitment to sustainable tourism. The museum, housed in a nineteenth century coach-house, was extensively renovated in 2007 to provide a suitable home for the University’s internationally significant historical collections, and from the start it was ensured that the building was as sustainable as possible.

Solar panels are installed on the roof of the museum, generating electricity which is used to power the lights and the lift within the building, while a ground source heat pump extracts heat from the rock beneath the car park to be used in the galleries’ underfloor heating.

Following a grading visit at the end of July, Green Tourism assessors also recognised the success of the year-round education programme for adults and families at MUSA. Many of the workshops make use of the museum’s unique location to explore the local environment and the collections, such as Bird Spotting for Beginners and Bug Hunt, as well as using recycled materials to encourage creativity in one of the many craft workshops.

Barbara Aitken, Environment Officer at the University of St Andrews said:

“We are delighted that MUSA has won this prestigious award which recognizes their hard work and commitment to sustainability. It is a welcome addition to the environmental awards the University have already received for Green Tourism”.

Agnes Blackadder Hall, David Russell Apartments and McIntosh Hall have all achieved gold awards recently, and the success of all of these sites signifies the University’s commitment to sustainability.

For more information visit http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/musa/visitors/sustainability/

ENDS

 

NOTE TO EDITORS:

Issued by the University of St Andrews Press Office

NOTE TO PICTURE EDITORS:

Images available on request; contact Elliot Busby on [email protected] or 01334 462108

About MUSA:

MUSA (Museum of the University of St Andrews) is located at 7a The Scores and tells the story of Scotland’s first University from its foundation in around 1411 until the present day.  Visitors can also encounter some notable figures from the University’s history, discover some unique and internationally important objects and artworks and experience stunning vistas over West Sands from the viewing terrace.  The museum is open Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm and from noon until 4pm on Sundays.

Further details can be found on the museum website: www.st-andrews.ac.uk/museum


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