Lambeth Palace and Gloucestershire Archives have been named joint winners of Sustainable Project of the Year at the Museums + Heritage Awards, with the announcement made at a ceremony on 13 May. The joint award, sponsored by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, recognises both a large-scale capital scheme with sustainability embedded throughout and a practical, easily replicated project with scalable impact.

Harmonising heritage and sustainability at Lambeth Palace in London saw the 800-year-old site undergo a sensitive, environmentally led restoration that safeguarded its historic fabric. Working with Historic England, the team excavated and catalogued finds, and the palace has become the oldest Grade I listed building to secure an 'excellent' BREEAM grade.

The project removed gas boilers and installed an energy centre powered by three air-source heat pumps and photovoltaic panels, providing 100% renewable heating. Sustainability was built into day-to-day operations: 39 tonnes of timber were recycled, saving 20 tonnes of CO2; original furniture was restored rather than replaced; unavoidable waste is composted and oils are converted to biodiesel; and produce from the 10-acre gardens supplies on-site catering, cutting food miles and supporting biodiversity. The scheme also nurtures traditional skills through stonework apprenticeships and furniture restoration.

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Gloucestershire Archives' two-year Green Pledge Project strengthened the archive's collections, reduced the building's carbon footprint, highlighted the county's environmental story and encouraged positive climate action. An environmental audit led to the installation of solar panels and electric vehicle charging points, while biodiversity in the car park was boosted with five new trees and additional planting.

In partnership with Project Grow, the archives revamped their community garden, yielding over 63kg of vegetables for the local Wiggly food charity. The team shared knowledge with 7,435 people through events and talks, and collaborated with artists on travelling exhibitions that reached more than 61,000 people. Creative touches such as a carved 'Pledgehog' by Natasha Houseago encouraged personal pledges to live more sustainably, and the programme added 175 new environmental collections to the archive.

The Heritage Fund encourages all types of heritage projects to support nature recovery and protect the natural world. To prepare an application, consult the Heritage Fund's step-by-step guidance on environmental sustainability.