AEC,  together with participating networks, has worked to implement the SHIFT Culture eco-guidelines for cultural networks, with all 17 achieving eco-certification.

This is the second year of achieving the eco-certification for the AEC. 

Each participating network has implemented the mandatory guidelines in their organisation along with some optional guidelines from the framework, participated in peer audits with their fellow participants and attended a combined development workshop online. The networks also received an external audit from Vector42 in their first or second year of participation. 

The guidelines implemented through the eco-certificate were developed and designed specifically for and by network organisations through the SHIFT project. These organisations tend to be small in size but large in terms of influence, with most of their environmental impact stemming from travel.

Through the eco-certification scheme, networks receive external audits from Vector42 in their first and second year of participation and alternate years thereafter. In the years where no external audit is given networks carry out self-review and a peer audit with their buddy in order to maintain their certification. This approach keeps peer leadership and accountability at the heart of the scheme and builds connections between networks to enable bolder action.

A significant feature of the SHIFT workshop in autumn 2025 was sharing best practices that participating networks had developed and implemented through being part of the SHIFT Culture community. Participants also finalised the review of the eco-guidelines ready for their implementation from 2026 onwards.

2026 marks a transition year, as from 2027 the Culture for Climate Scotland will be stepping away from the coordination role in the scheme to allow a different organisation to lead. The callout for a new coordinator is currently live, with a deadline for applications of 6 March.

Congratulations to this year’s SHIFT eco-certified cultural network organisations: