BS EN 15757 is a European standard that discusses the conservation of the cultural property. BS EN 15757 is a guide specifying temperature and relative humidity levels to limit climate-induced physical damage of hygroscopic, organic materials, kept in long-term storage or exhibition (more than once per year) in indoor environments of museums, galleries, storage areas, archives, libraries, churches, and modern or historical buildings.
BS EN 15757 on conservation of cultural property - specifications is useful for:
High standards of preservation in historical buildings can be maintained through the use of affordable and efficient low energy solutions despite an increase in the cost of energy.
BS EN 15757 is a guide specifying temperature and relative humidity (RH) to preserve cultural property by limiting physical damage induced by strain-stress cycles in objects containing organic hygroscopic materials.
BS EN 15757 proposes a methodology leading to general specifications to limit climate-induced physical damage to organic hygroscopic materials. Therefore, BS EN 15757 deals with a selected category of damage.
Humidity plays a key role in the conservation of cultural property because most materials and/or deterioration mechanisms are directly or indirectly affected by humidity levels or changes. BS EN 15757 is a guide intended to assist in providing an acceptable environment for cultural property objects. Therefore, the control of levels and variability of humidity reduces the risk of deterioration and is an important preventive measure, minimizing the need for future conservation interventions.
BS EN 15757 allows a reduction in the environmental control needed to ensure the good preservation of objects. Less and simpler equipment is required, and investment and maintenance costs can be reduced. The control of temperature and RH can be further minimized by enhancing the passive control capacity of the building.
EN 15757:2010