| Collections |
| The Green Museums Initiative |
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| Things You Can Do Today |
| "...the consequences of not being sustainable are intrinsically linked to the preservation of our cultural and natural heritage." |
Why is it important to be green?
Caring for collections is at the core of a museum’s mission. Collections are
maintained to attract and inspire the audiences of today, and those of the
future. Collections range from the botanical to the zoological, the historical
to the artistic, yet they are unified under the umbrella of “preservation”.
Museums are obligated to be environmental leaders, since the
consequences of not being sustainable so are intrinsically linked to the
preservation of our cultural and natural heritage.
How can we become greener?
The constant climate and humidity settings required for collection storage
facilities use large amounts of electrical energy. Because most energy is still
sourced from fossil fuels that generate carbon dioxide gases during
production, find ways to reduce electrical demand and still maintain a safe,
consistent climate management level. More localized climate control
monitoring, and reusable microclimate exhibition casework tap into
reliable ways to target the specific needs of a collection, and measure
climate and humidity levels. Storage areas are great places to use energy
efficient lighting, green construction materials, and natural methods of
contaminant and dust extraction. When building a new museum storage
area, consider using additional insulation in the structure to maintain a
more stable envelope and reduce the need for heating/cooling. Test all
materials before use to avoid off-gassing of harmful pollutants.
Contemporary conservation practice honors what environmentalists call
the “precautionary principle”. That is, to seek out the safest alternatives
when making choices, ranging from purchasing products, to shipping and
treating objects. Instead of asking, “how much harm will be allowed?”
Those who care for collections ask, “How little harm is possible?” For art
and historical collections, use reversible treatments, toxic-free storage
supplies, cleaners, adhesives, paints and sealants. To rid objects of pests,
use freezing and oxygen starving nitrogen processes rather than chemicals.
For botanical and zoological collections, use natural environments and
enclosures, organic feeds, chemical free environments and non-toxic
pesticides.
Shipping collections from one exhibition venue to another takes a toll on
the objects and the environment. Transportation by road and air uses
diesel fuel that is highly polluting. Reduce the need for transportation by
ganging and sharing shipments with other museums. Crate collections using
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified lumber, recycled and toxin-free
particleboards, ether foam and packing materials. Reuse crates and
containers; better still share them with other museums. Negotiate less
restrictive climate control requirements on loan agreements for less fragile
objects, this can save substantially on energy use.
What should be our goal?
The Green Museums Accord encourages a reworking of external contracts
to favor environmentally responsible vendors and work processes.
Collaborate with museum shipping and packing companies that have made
a commitment to reduce their transportation carbon footprint. Order
supplies and materials from vendors who stock and support recycled and
non-toxic products. Reduce the carbon/greenhouse gas footprint of
storage areas by using less electricity more efficiently. Share information
and resources with others in the collections and conservation community
so that they can learn from your experiences.
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