As part of the Sustainable Archives and Greener Approaches (SAGA Project), a sustainability self-assessment tool designed to be practical, user-friendly, and adaptable to different institutional contexts was created.
The tool helps archival institutions evaluate their environmental practices and performance in key areas such as:
- Energy
- Water
- Governance
- Waste management
After completing the assessment, you will receive a detailed report with your results and practical recommendations to help your institution become more sustainable.
Access the tool through the Resources section of our website:
https://sagaproject.eu/resources/
The Environmental Self-Assessment Tool represents a significant practical output of Work Package 3 of the SAGA project and provides archival institutions with a structured and accessible mechanism for reflecting on environmental sustainability practices. The development process highlighted both the diversity of archival operational contexts and the importance of designing sustainability tools that remain practical, understandable and achievable within real organisational environments. Through iterative development, stakeholder engagement and multiple phases of testing and refinement, the project succeeded in developing a tool that is aligned with the needs and operational realities of archival institutions.
The final tool supports archival institutions in identifying sustainability strengths, areas for improvement and realistic opportunities for organisational development. The project also reinforced the value of focusing on practical guidance, organisational reflection and action-oriented recommendations rather than highly complex benchmarking or measurement systems. Supported by multilingual capability, collaborative workflow features, downloadable reporting and associated guidance materials, the tool is now ready for formal deployment and ongoing use across the archival sector.
SAGA project
In the exercise of this international archival cooperation function, the Directorate-General for Cultural Heritage and Fine Arts, through the Deputy Directorate-General of State Archives, and in collaboration with various European institutions, has promoted the project “Sustainable Archives and Greener Approaches (SAGA)”. This project is funded by the Creative Europe Programme (CREA-CULT-2024-COOP).
This innovative transnational European project arises from the shared need to strengthen the protection of archives against natural and human-induced disasters, mitigate the effects of climate change, and promote sustainable practices within the archival sector.
The main objective of the project is to enhance the resilience of documentary heritage through technological innovation, professional training, and the adoption of environmentally friendly approaches.
The project brings together the following partners:
Archival institutions:
- State Archives of Spain
- National Archives of Hungary
- National Archives of Portugal
- National Archives of Malta
- Historical Archives of the European Union (Italy)
Scientific, academic, and technological partners:
- Slovak Academy of Sciences
- Foundation for Landscape Protection (Poland)
- Münster University of Applied Sciences (Clean Technology Centre – CTC and Technology-Enhanced Learning – TEL)
Research group on socio-economic sustainability and cultural management:
- Development of External Strategies (DEX)
The project has a duration of 38 months, commenced in September 2024 and being scheduled for completion in October 2027. Therefore, it is not considered an intangible investment, as it has no projected continuation beyond 2027.
In line with the priorities of the Creative Europe Programme, the SAGA project seeks to strengthen the resilience of documentary heritage through a set of integrated actions that bring together key stakeholders from across the archival value chain. Its main objectives include:
- Promoting dialogue on risk preparedness and resilience.
- Developing innovative responses based on emerging technologies.
- Providing training for professionals and stakeholders in the archival sector.
- Encouraging sustainable and energy-efficient practices in archives.
- Exploring new business models that enhance the visibility and economic value of archives through environmentally friendly products.
- Facilitating the transnational mobility of works and professionals, thereby expanding access to European archival heritage.
- Promoting the adoption of sustainable methodologies, particularly with regard to energy efficiency.
- Generating greater added value, visibility, and economic returns through new business models and activities.
- Strengthening the dissemination of European heritage, history, and culture through broader access to archives and professional mobility.
If you would like to learn more about the SAGA Project, co-funded by the European Union’s Creative Europe Programme, visit our website:
