Energy Reduction and the Conservation of Cultural Heritage: a Review of Past, Present and Forthcoming Initiatives

The specifi c research question investigated in this project is whether energy usage can be signifi cantly reduced by carefully monitored and risk-managed shutdowns of Air Handling Units (AHUs) during unoccupied hours in selected spaces without compromising the quality of the preservation environment. In addition, the research involves several subsidiary questions: • What are the best ways to defi ne and identify collections spaces that are good candidates for shutdowns? • What tools are needed to measure energy use and the effects of environmental changes on the conditions of collections? • What procedures for collaboration among facilities and library/preservation staff are required? • What other barriers to implementation exist? • What kinds of tools and protocols are needed for libraries to carry out these approaches without outside help? In addition to methodology and early results, this paper will discuss lessons learned to this point in the research process, unexpected fi ndings, and the potential impact in cost-savings of these practices.