Environmental audit (documentation + legal compliance)
It focuses on the analysis of documents confirming environmental impact. Auditors analyse reports on waste management, registration of appliances and cooling systems with the Central Register of Operators and emissions from vehicle engines. Such a review makes it possible to assess whether the institution’s operations are in line with current environmental protection regulations. Proper reporting makes it possible to assess the scale of an institution’s impact in certain areas (e.g. carbon dioxide emissions). Permits and registrations of installations, contracts with recycling companies (such as packaging recycling companies), contracts with rubbish collection companies, with waterworks, technical data sheets of devices used by the institution, data sheets of chemical preparations, documents related to tests of water or gas emissions are all under scrutiny. Auditors should have access to people who are knowledgeable about the specificity of the organisation, as well as technical installations and technological solutions.

Sustainable development audit (environmental impact regarding water, soil, air + supply chain)
The audit assesses the impact on the environment through the analysis of the supply chain. This means that areas previously examined within the organisation – e.g. gas emissions related to vehicle use, water consumption – are also analysed in terms of suppliers and purchases. Auditors also verify the rational management of existing resources (e.g. display cases, frames, stationery), including environmental criteria in tenders and requests for proposals, as well as analysing products ordered (e.g. checking for certificates, composition or recyclable materials).
 
‘Zero waste’ audit
This is based on the results of the environmental audit. Additional information is collected in various ways, e.g. through observations of the way space is used and conversations with employees. A ‘zero waste’ audit may concern lighting, biophilic motives (contact with nature, e.g. plants in the office), functionality and use of social facilities, storage methods, organisation of work, pro-environmental amenities (e.g. infrastructure for cyclists). Auditors can prepare photo documentation and pay an on-site visit. Sometimes they also visit galleries, bookshops or restaurants as customers to experience solutions from a user’s perspective. The estimated cost of a ‘zero waste’ audit ranges from PLN 10,000 to PLN 50,000 depending on size and type of the institution and the scope. The result of the audit is a report with recommendations, which concern remedial and optional action. Remedial action usually concerns changes necessary for compliance with regulations. The changes should be implemented at this stage. Some institutions in Poland have already had their audits carried out. A discussion about the audit at the Zachęta gallery in Warsaw can be found on their Facebook fanpage.

> An environmental audit was carried out at CK Zamek in Poznań (2019), which consisted of research into the operations of various departments and surveys. The audit lasted about a week. The institution was keen to develop an action plan. The administration department, which is involved in green issues, has been a great support. Based on the audit, recommendations for further work were made and a team ‘Zamek dla Klimatu’ (‘Castle for Climate’) was formed. During the pandemic, the institution experimented with the building’s lighting. Partial dimming resulted in savings, but it also had a broader dimension – it educated the public about the conscious use of resources and showed a different approach to illumination. A number of significant changes were made at the institution: most of the car parks were removed and replaced with green spaces, gardens, a pavilion and a fountain. The aim was to link environmental issues with accessibility. Other infrastructural changes were implemented, such as replacing windows and lighting with more energy-efficient ones, replacing lifts/elevators with ramps where possible and appropriate, and replacing security systems. An ‘eco-storage room’ was created, where art materials and equipment for general use are stored. Some items are sold after exhibitions. These practical measures of wise resource management are accompanied by a programme that often addresses issues of the environment, social justice or climate justice. At the same time, staff members, including the ‘Castle for Climate’ team, place greater emphasis on systemic changes than on focusing on the proverbial drinking straw or cup.