Libraries, Archives, Museums and Cultural Activities
Operation of libraries, archives, museums and other cultural institutions with climate-resilient collections management and low-carbon building operations.
Substantial Contribution to Climate Change Mitigation
Cultural institutions must implement energy management systems covering HVAC (climate control for collections), lighting, and building operations. The facility must achieve energy performance at least meeting EPBD minimum requirements, or demonstrate a 30% energy consumption reduction compared to the institutional baseline over the previous five years.
Climate control systems for collections must be optimised using evidence-based conservation parameters rather than overly conservative setpoints, allowing wider temperature and humidity ranges where collections science supports it. Lighting must transition to LED with intelligent controls. At least 80% of electricity must come from renewable sources. The institution must maintain a public sustainability report covering energy, water, waste, and transport emissions.
Substantial Contribution to Climate Change Adaptation
A CRVA per Appendix A must address risks to collections from flooding, temperature extremes, humidity changes, and air pollution under projected climate scenarios. Collections storage and display areas must incorporate adaptation measures including flood barriers, emergency climate control, and disaster recovery plans for irreplaceable cultural assets.
DNSH: Climate Change Adaptation
Physical climate hazards must be assessed per Appendix A. The facility must have emergency response plans for climate-related events, with priority protocols for protecting the most significant and vulnerable collection items.
DNSH: Water and Marine Resources
The institution must implement water efficiency measures in building operations and public facilities. Humidification systems for collections must use water efficiently. Rainwater harvesting should be considered for non-potable uses.
DNSH: Circular Economy
Exhibition materials must be designed for re-use and recycling. Temporary exhibition construction waste must achieve at least 65% diversion from landfill. Conservation materials must be assessed for longevity and environmental impact. Packaging for collection transport and loans must be reusable.