Environmental Management During the Pandemic: Field Study Results

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In an effort to understand how changes in mechanical system operations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic impacted collections environments across institutions, IPI launched a field study through an online submission platform from October through November 2020. Nineteen questions sought to address the role of environmental management at institutions, document changes made to mechanical system operations in response to the pandemic, and collect observed impacts to collections environments resulting from the changes implemented. The results demonstrated a high level of successful implementation of sustainable operations among respondents, especially when coupled with a quality, cross-disciplinary environmental management program. We encourage all collecting institutions to examine their practices and consider ways in which they can work towards even greater success in achieving preservation and sustainability goals. IPI is grateful to those who participated in the field study, your willingness to share enriched our understanding. If you have any questions or comments on the field study, or would like to inquire about available resources to develop a sustainable environmental management program, please contact Kelly Krish, Preventive Conservation Specialist, at kmkpph@rit.edu. This work was funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities as part of a larger education and training project.

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