All organisations have “stuff”. Sometimes the “stuff” might be an important historical collection, but even if you aren’t a museum or a heritage attraction you probably still have things (objects and archives) that tell the story of your organisation and need to be cared for - sustainably.
Fit for the Future and The Institute of Conservation are hosting a series of collaborative virtual events for members on how to look after your “stuff” sustainably. The first of these events will focus on how to move from active (mechanical) care e.g. air conditioning to passive care e.g. natural ventilation for your “stuff”.
We are delighted that David Thickett Senior Conservation Scientist, Collections Conservation at English Heritage will provide an overview on:
- Why it is important to manage the environment that your “stuff” is stored in
- What is active (mechanical) and passive care
- What are the main challenges of managing heating, cooling and humidity in the context of “stuff”
- Challenges of moving from active (mechanical) e.g. air conditioning to passive care e.g. natural ventilation. What happens when you switch off active (mechanical) air conditioning?
- Simple passive solutions to caring for your stuff (case studies), what are the pros and cons? Working with what you have e.g. your building layout/fabric and appliances/technology.
- Is it possible to mix both active and passive care?
- What are the sustainability benefits of passive care?
The Institute of Conservation (Icon) Environmental Sustainability Network Co-founder and Chair Lorraine Finch ACR will present a case study ‘prevention is better than cure’. Outlining how caring for your stuff now is more sustainable long term than waiting for a problem to happen and then sorting it out.
After a group Q&A, the Fit for the Future team will lead you in smaller groups to share challenges, approaches, resources/tools used and lessons learnt in this important area.
Follow-on events will focus on specific challenges and solutions on caring for your stuff sustainably.
