Stourbridge Glass Museum shortlisted for prestigious tourism award recognising its sustainability efforts

The museum in Camp Hill, Wordsley, is in the running for the Regenerative Tourism Award at the awards, which celebrate excellence across the region's visitor economy, and the nomination recognises its pioneering commitment to sustainability, environmental regeneration and responsible tourism practices that enhance the visitor experience and the planet.

The shortlisting is the first award nomination of the year for the museum, building on an extraordinary run of success in 2025. 

Last year, it was crowned the Midlands Most Award-Winning Museum, with its team, staff, volunteers and artists shortlisted for more than 13 awards and securing eight major wins. 

The successes included accolades from the West Midlands Tourism Awards, Black Country Heroes Awards (in four categories), Dudley Borough Awards for Best Customer Service, Museums Association's Museum Change Lives Awards, Museum Development Midlands' Green Spark Award 2025, Heritage Ambassador Award from Dudley CVS Awards, Visit England's Hidden Gem Accolade 2025, Sustainable Project & Fundraiser of the Year at Black Country Heroes Awards, Sustainable Project of the Year at the Museums + Heritage Awards, Best Customer Service at Dudley Borough Community Awards, and the TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Award 2025.

Stourbridge Glass Museum has become a beacon of innovation since it was officially opened in April 2023 by the Duke of Gloucester. It boasts two floors of history and contemporary art galleries in state-of-the-art display cases and modern interactive displays and hosts diverse workshops for all ages, live glassmaking demonstrations and many other events.  

The museum's ambitious sustainability initiatives, which have included reducing its environmental footprint while preserving and celebrating the region's glassmaking heritage, have also put the venue on the map. Key efforts, which have significantly cut energy consumption and costs, have included the installation of solar panels and batteries, energy-efficient LED lighting, eco-friendly radiators, and voltage optimisers as part of a comprehensive net zero project. 

A standout achievement of the venue is the on-site studio operated by Allister Malcolm Glass Ltd, which pioneered Europe's first fully electric glass studio powered by solar energy. The ground-breaking shift from gas to renewable electric furnaces demonstrates a viable, low-carbon future for the traditionally energy-intensive glass industry and this has inspired studios worldwide. 

The museum's dedication to circular economy principles also shines through its recycled glass workshops, led by upcycled artists including glass artist Terri Malcolm whose innovative work with recycled materials has enriched educational programs and played a vital role in heritage restoration. As a result a lost masterpiece has been displayed at the museum, following its partial destruction in the 1980s, after Terri provided vital recycled glass to help restore a surviving panel of the iconic Churchill Memorial Screen.

Museum director Alexander Goodger said of the award nomination: "Being shortlisted for the Regenerative Tourism Award is a great honour and a testament to our team's relentless drive to blend heritage preservation with modern sustainability.

"From pioneering solar-powered glassmaking to community-led restoration projects and hands-on sustainable workshops, we're showing how tourism can actively regenerate places, people, and the planet. We're proud to represent Stourbridge and the Black Country's glassmaking legacy on this stage."

The winners will be announced in March.