Conversations with Change Makers – Strategies for Reducing the Energy Consumption of Buildings

Hosted by American Institute for Conservation and Foundation for Advancement in Conservation.

The energy used to heat, cool, de/humidify, and light buildings is one of the biggest environmental impacts 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. Since change can be difficult, the AIC Sustainability Committee and the Icon Sustainability Network have organized a series of virtual conversations with conservators and other cultural heritage professionals who have already implemented meaningful changes related to the energy consumption of their buildings. We hope this inspires hope, courage, and continued innovation.  

We will talk with Nancie Ravenel, Director of Conservation at Shelburne Museum, and Patricia Silence, Director of Conservation Operations at the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, about the energy-savings strategies implemented at their institutions, both of which are comprised of multiple historic and modern buildings on vast campuses with diverse collections of objects. The conversation will end with an audience Q&A. The session will be recorded and accessible online.