Sustainability
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum boasts an award-winning sustainability program. Preservation is central to our mission—both inside and outside of the Museum. By encouraging sustainable practices that reduce resource consumption and lessen our carbon footprint, we strive to strengthen our positive community impact as stewards of the natural environment.
The Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum provides a full-circle community service, sustainable practices, and resource management program, dedicated to engaging staff to become more socially and environmentally responsible.
Sustainability Goals
Reduce landfill output by 25%.
We accomplished 47% reduction of 50% goal in 2025.
Increase sustainability education for staff members through engagement opportunities and Lunch & Learns.
Continue the transition to industrially compostable materials for use with events and catering.
Complete LED project—currently at 75% transition with 100% completion estimated by early 2027.
Diversion Numbers Since Inception
1,983,502 lbs food/recyclables diverted from landfill.
123,934 meals donated to the local community.
Museum Green Initiatives
The facilities, housekeeping, and events staff support our mission by using eco-friendly cleaning products, reusable materials when possible, and an efficient color-coded waste disposal system that aids in proper sorting. The Museum has also transitioned the majority of its single-use tableware to compostable alternatives. As part of the Museum’s sustainability commitment, the first annual sustainability fair was hosted in spring 2026, highlighting small businesses and sustainable organizations local to the Nashville area. Additionally, 4th floor & 5th floor expansion administrative furniture is Level 2 Certified by NSF- Furniture Sustainability.
Low-Waste Events
The Museum works to minimize waste at internal and external events by avoiding disposables whenever possible. When disposables are necessary, staff use the established color-coded system to ensure proper waste sorting. Extra food from events is donated whenever possible to reduce waste and support the community.
Staff Education
Sustainability education is delivered cross-departmentally during annual trainings and employee onboarding to ensure staff understand expectations and practice environmentally conscious behaviors. Team members are encouraged to ask questions and spread awareness about the Museum’s sustainability initiatives.
Volunteering
Staff are encouraged to give back to the community through a variety of volunteer opportunities offered throughout the year. Team members have volunteered with organizations like Shelby Park, Turnip Green Creative Reuse, and The Store.
Employees working an average of 16 hours per week are eligible for two annual volunteer days at a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Shelby Park
Turnip Green
The Store
Sustainability and Volunteer Awards
- Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Grant (2017)
- Sustainability Excellence Award from the American Alliance of Museums (2018)
- Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Award for Excellence in Materials Management from the State of Tennessee (2018)
- Piedmont Natural Gas Excellence in Sustainable Practices Awards (2018)
- Volunteer of the Year Award (2018)
- Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Grant (2026)
- Organizational Practices Award from Urban Green Lab (2026)