Sustainable Conservation: A new way of thinking

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The world of cultural heritage conservation is at a turning point. For decades, the main goal was the stabilization and restoration of objects using the most effective techniques and materials, often with limited consideration of their long-term environmental impact. Today, a new way of thinking is emerging: sustainable conservation. This approach is not only about preserving the object, but also about minimizing the costly impact of the process on the planet, ensuring that protecting the past does not come at the expense of the future.

What Is Sustainable Conservation?

Sustainable conservation is a holistic philosophy that applies the principles of sustainability (environmental, economic, and social) to conservation practice. Its goal is to reduce the carbon footprint of traditional interventions, to promote the efficient use of energy and resources, and to select materials and methods that are safe both for the conservator and for the environment (Matero, 2013). This translates into a series of strategies across all stages of work, from research and analysis to intervention and long-term preservation.

Key Pillars of Practice

-Choice of Materials and the Principle of Reversibility: A central principle of conservation, reversibility, aligns perfectly with sustainability. The use of conservation materials that can later be removed or reversed without damaging the original object prevents harmful interventions that would otherwise require energy-intensive and costly “corrections.” In addition, ongoing research is evaluating the environmental impact of commonly used resins, such as acrylics (e.g., Paraloid B72) and epoxies, to identify more “green” alternatives (Lucchi, 2018).

-Preventive Conservation as a Core Tool: The most sustainable intervention is often the one that is never carried out. Preventive conservation focuses on controlling the environment around objects to naturally slow down the rate of deterioration. This includes optimizing temperature and relative humidity conditions in storage and exhibition spaces, controlling light exposure, and protecting against dust and insects. Investment in efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, as well as in solar energy for museums, drastically reduces energy costs and the developmental footprint, while simultaneously protecting entire collections (Cassar, 2009).

-Circular Economy and Restoration: Sustainable conservation encourages reuse and recycling. This may mean reconstructing storage packaging from recycled materials, repairing existing laboratory equipment instead of replacing it, or even reusing historical materials in building restoration projects, thereby reducing waste and the demand for new resources.

-Social Dimension and Ethics: Sustainability is not only ecological. It also includes socioeconomic aspects, such as ensuring that the methods and materials used are financially viable for small museums and communities. Furthermore, educating the public and promoting awareness about the value of preventive care reduces the need for costly future interventions.

Challenges and the Future

The transition to full sustainability is not without challenges. Many “green” materials do not yet have the historical track record of traditional products, creating understandable concerns. In addition, the initial cost of installing energy-efficient systems can be high.

However, the future is promising. Research is developing new bio-based materials for conservation, such as gels derived from algae or chitin. The international conservation community is openly discussing the ethical and practical aspects of this approach. Sustainable conservation is not going to suddenly replace established practices, but it offers a necessary framework for critical evaluation and innovation, ensuring that our care for heritage is prudent for the generations to come.

References

Cassar, M. (2009). Sustainable Heritage: Challenges and Strategies for the Twenty-First Century. APT Bulletin, 40(1), 3-11. (Foundational article establishing the basis of sustainable heritage management).

Matero, F. G. (2013). The Conservation of Immovable Cultural Heritage: A Review of Theory and Practice. Change Over Time, 3(2), 152-167. (Discusses the ethical foundations supporting the sustainable approach).

Lucchi, E. (2018). Review of Preventive Conservation in Museum Buildings. Journal of Cultural Heritage, 29, 180-193. (Includes discussion of energy efficiency in museum spaces).

Sutherland, K. (2020). Sustainable Practices in Conservation. Journal of the American Institute for Conservation, 59(2-3), 63-65. (Overview of current practices and future trends).