Conversations with Change Makers #9

The AIC Sustainability Committee is excited to announce the ninth in a series of webinars where we chat with conservators and allied professionals who are implementing changes to reduce the energy consumption of their buildings. 

The energy used to heat, cool, de/humidify, and light buildings is the biggest environmental impact of the cultural heritage sector.  After decades of regarding one-size-fits-all, non-fluctuating indoor environmental parameters as the gold standard, the field is now questioning the value of this approach.  And as the recent extreme weather and the associated risks to cultural heritage continue to remind us, the need for change is urgent. 

On Friday, February 7th 11:00am - 12pm ET, join us as we speak with the Victoria & Albert Museum’s head of conservation Pedro Gaspar and lead preventative conservator Sarah VanSnick, who recently moved on from the V&A to be Head of Preservation and Conservation at Trinity College Dublin Library. 

We will be discussing how they developed a cohesive collections risk assessment analysis system with input from all stakeholders. This has allowed for data driven decisions impacting all aspects of collections care, including the expansion of environmental parameters. They will be sharing how specific terms and language that resonate across departments was essential for effective communication and their resulting success.