Sustainable Practices

This page is maintained by members of the AIC Committee on Sustainable Conservation Practice [1](formerly known as the Green Task Force). The initial mission of the group was to evaluate US conservators’ current awareness of sustainability and how we are working towards more appropriate practices in institutions and private businesses. The committee charge is as follows:

• Provide resources for AIC members and other caretakers of cultural heritage regarding environmentally sustainable approaches to preventive care and other aspects of conservation practice. Resources may be provided via electronic media, workshops, publications and presentations.

• Define Research topics and suggest working groups as needed to explore sustainable conservation practices and new technologies.

Contact at sustainability@conservation-us.org

Studio and Lab Practices

1.1 Water Purification Methods and Environmental Considerations

1.2 Choosing and Using Materials

1.3 Reuse and Exchange

1.4 Recycling

1.5 Waste Management

Sustainable Solvent Use

2.1 Solvent Use

2.2 Solvent Choice

2.3 Solvent Storage

2.4 Disposal: Evaporate, Dump, or Dispose as Hazardous Waste?

Beyond the Bench: Facility-Wide Considerations

3.1 Efficiency Standards and Best Practices

3.2 Energy Consumption

3.3 Environmental Controls

3.4 Exhibitions / Loans

3.5 Lighting

3.6 Case Studies

3.7 References

3.8 Further Reading About Facility-Wide Considerations

Publications

4.1 Plastics are Forever: Wraps, Tools, Films and Containers used in Conservation Practice

4.2 Water Purification Methods and Environmental Considerations

4.3 Sustainable Practices 2011 Survey Results

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