Commitment to Sustainability

The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation is committed to ensuring a sustainable future for the planet and its people, making sustainability a cross-cutting priority in its strategy.

Its commitment to contributing to a more sustainable and equitable society is reflected across four areas of its activity: operations, investments, funding programmes, and cultural activities.

Operational management of the buildings and garden

The Foundation has sought to be at the forefront of environmental management by optimising the performance of its facilities and gardens. It has held environmental and quality certifications under the ISO 14001 and ISO 9001 standards since 2012.

By rigorously monitoring and continuously improving its processes, it has reduced its carbon footprint, primarily by significantly reducing its energy consumption and switching to renewable energy sources. In recent years, the Foundation has made significant efforts in areas such as energy efficiency, the responsible use of natural resources, the responsible management of exhibitions and events, the digitisation of processes, and reporting and transparency procedures.

In addition, the eight-hectare Gulbenkian Garden was designed to be in harmony with nature, taking into account the natural growth and decay of vegetation. Examples of sustainable management practices include capturing and recirculating rainwater for irrigation purposes and choosing indigenous plants and biodiverse meadows, which are more disease-resistant.

Investments

The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation is also committed to sustainability, aiming to strike a responsible balance between the financial performance required for the long-term success of its portfolio investments and sustainability. Having abandoned investment in fossil fuels, the Gulbenkian Foundation has committed to directing some of its investments towards impact projects. In this regard, its investment in Antarr in 2021 is particularly of note. The Antarr project, a collaboration between the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation and Efanor Investimentos SGPS, aims to create environmental, social and economic value by investing in biodiverse productive forests over the long term.

Funding programmes

Funding programmes supporting civil society in the area of sustainability sponsor organisations that promote climate action, nature conservation, biodiversity protection, efficient natural resource management, fair energy transition, and scientific innovations in fields such as blue technology and green fuels. One of its most prominent initiatives is the Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity, which recognises individuals and organisations around the world who play a decisive role in climate action. The Prize celebrates those who generate a lasting impact for the benefit of people and nature, inspiring hope, resilience and renewal for the future of humanity. 

Cultural activities

Recognising the transformative power of arts and culture, and their potential to promote sustainability, the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation seeks to enhance our understanding of the relationship between art, science and climate through the activities and artistic platforms of the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum and the Modern Art Centre.

Transition to a more sustainable future

As set out in the 2023–2027 strategy, the Gulbenkian Foundation will continue to invest in sustainable and innovative practices, engage its employees, forge partnerships to increase the collective impact of its actions, and disclose its results transparently.

The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation is committed to making a positive contribution to environmental protection and global efforts to combat and adapt to climate change. It also aims to inspire and mobilise others to participate in the transition to a fairer and more sustainable future for future generations.