Green Museum Design: Is It Good for Collections?

Abstract

Green building design and construction is a form of stewardship compatible with most conservation practices in collections-holding institutions. Green design is based on deep respect for the natural environment, the need to reduce consumption, and use of renewable and reusable resources. It offers a new framework and set of practices for museum renovation, expansion, and new construction, with the expectation that high-performance systems, environmental monitoring, air filtration, and non-toxic interiors will be cost-efficient and good for collections as well as people. Special needs of collections can be met by adapting some green-building practices, while overall monitoring of air quality, measuring fluctuations in temperature and humidity, and filtering against pollutants are highly compatible in green building. A generation of so-called green museums—ranging from replacement of mechanical systems to all-new buildings—will provide performance data over time on whether high-performance buildings reduce energy use, are cost-effective, and contribute to the health of collections.