Like any institution, the European Solidarity Centre has an impact on the natural environment. We are committed to implementing solutions to minimise our ecological footprint, both in the short and long term. We also believe we have a role to play in fostering environmental awareness among our staff and visitors alike.
To support these efforts, we have the ECS Green Team, a group of employees dedicated to driving in-house ecological initiatives.
The ECS is a modern cultural institution that responds to the challenges of the contemporary world. We believe that discussing the past—people, their creativity and achievements—must go hand in hand with caring for the future of the place we live in. Guided by this principle, we strive to be an ambassador for pro-environmental change that benefits us, our visitors and our entire planet. We reflect on the impact of our work on others and on the environment, embrace change and continuously improve.
The European Solidarity Centre preserves the memory of Poland’s greatest civic achievement: the victory of Solidarity. Our Mission Statement says that:
/ We aim to keep the ideals of Solidarity—democracy, a society of openness and solidarity, and a culture of dialogue—relevant and compelling.
/ We seek to preserve the legacy of Solidarity in the Polish and European memory as a peaceful European revolution ensuring that, within the community of European democracies, Solidarity remains a key part of Europe’s founding narrative.
/ We want Solidarity to be a source of inspiration and hope for those who do not live in open, democratic societies.
Building on this mission, we acknowledge that:
In the 21st century, the ideals of the Solidarity movement must also extend to solidarity against the challenges of climate change and environmental degradation. Our goal is to operate sustainably—methodically and responsibly—to minimise our environmental impact while upholding solidarity towards the global community and respecting the principles of sustainable development.
In 2023, we assessed the needs and opportunities in three key areas of our operation. Based on that review, we have developed the goals that we are currently pursuing:
/ Cycling accessibility at the ECS
/ Potable water at the ECS, drinking fountains in the ECS Winter Garden
/ Separate waste collection in the ECS building
In December 2024, the European Solidarity Centre received the Green Key Certificate, an international distinction awarded to tourist venues that meet specific environmental standards. To earn this certification, venues must undergo a rigorous assessment process that covers various aspects of their operations, including energy and water management, waste minimisation and environmental education for both visitors and staff.
Sustainability, climate change and environmental responsibility have long been central themes in the ECS programming.
In 2021, ECS employees took a grassroots initiative to set up the Green Team, an informal group dedicated to implementing eco-friendly measures. A pivotal moment marking the ECS’s environmental commitment came in March 2021, when it signed the Declaration of the Culture for Climate Initiative, which set directions for green growth in cultural institutions.
By 2023, the Green Team had been formally integrated into the ECS’s structure by the director’s ordinance, leading to more systematic pro-environmental changes. That same year, the ECS and Sopot’s Goyki 3 Art Incubator launched a coalition to promote green change in local institutions of culture, education and science. In early 2024, we began preparations for the ECS to receive environmental certification. In May of that year, 21 institutions from the Green Institutions Network of the TriCity and Pomerania signed a letter of intent to collaborate towards sustainable development efforts.
Adopting the Green Key methodology to evaluate our operations is a first step towards greater environmental responsibility and the sustainable management of cultural and tourist venues, including museums. Adapting to the challenges of sustainability is an ongoing process that will guide us in the years to come.
Even small actions can reduce your environmental footprint while visiting the ECS. Here’s how you can contribute: – Travel by bike or public transport | Find detailed directions here.
We encourage visitors to choose biking or public transport whenever possible.
– Use free drinking water
Bring your own bottle and refill it at:
▪ Bistro (Level 0)
▪ Bistro (Level 1)
▪ Kitchen in the Solidarity Every Day space (Level 3)
Just ask a staff member for a refill.
– Sort your waste
At the ECS, waste is separated into five categories:
▪ Paper → blue bin
▪ Biowaste → brown bin
▪ Plastic & Metal → yellow bin
▪ Glass → green bin
▪ General waste → black bin.
– Turn off lights and unplug devices
If you’re the last to leave a toilet, workshop room or any other space, turn off the lights and unplug any active devices.
– Enjoy the greenery
The ECS features extensive greenery both in the Winter Garden and on its rooftop decks. Please treat these spaces with care and respect the plants.
For more, please check out: Plants at the ECS.
To relax in green spaces outside the ECS, visit these nearby locations:
/ The square between the ECS and Shipyard Gate No. 2 → 1-minute walk
/ Steffens Park → 21-minute walk
/ Góra Gradowa (Gradowa Hill) → 15-minute walk
– Share your ideas for a greener ECS
Have suggestions for eco-friendly improvements? Noticed something we could do better? Let us know at zielonyzespol@ecs.gda.pl
The abundant greenery inside the ECS isn’t just about softening the industrial interior and improving air quality. It also carries a symbolic meaning envisioned by the architects.
Learn more here.
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