Lecture 1:
The ReKult project: towards sustainable (re)constructions of memory institutions 

Speaker: Katerina Stodolova, Rathgen-Forschungslabor

The ReKult project focuses on developing sustainable, energy-efficient strategies for managing the indoor climate in memory institutions such as museums, libraries, archives, and depots. It aims to balance the preservation needs of collections, human comfort requirements, and the operational constraints of buildings through a risk-based approach. The project analyzes real climate data from a diverse range of memory institutions and identifies that many of them do not meet recent climate control standards, questioning the feasibility of such strict requirements. The project also explores innovative sensor technologies and Building Information System monitoring tools to enhance the energy efficiency and progress towards adaptive climate control. Lastly, ReKult proposes a guide for low-tech building strategies and tailored evaluation criteria for memory institutions.

Lecture 2:
Green museum and climate-friendly culture: environmental management of climate-related risks in museums 

Speaker: Evangelia Eleftheriou, Rathgen-Forschungslabor

The Green Museum initiative aims to better prepare museums in Germany for climate change and the necessary adaptation measures through targeted actions. A key aspect of this work is a comprehensive review of national and international discussions on the concept of the "Green Museum". To assess the current state of sustainable practices in the museum sector, a questionnaire was developed and distributed across Germany and internationally. In addition, best-practice examples from institutions that have already taken steps toward sustainability has been compiled and summarized in a practical guide for museums. The focus is particularly on resource savings in museum operations – such as electricity, heating/ventilation, and water – as well as sustainable approaches to museum construction, including embodied energy considerations and life cycle analysis. As climate conditions continue to change, museums will need to adapt both their infrastructure and day-to-day operations. This includes planning for higher maximum temperatures and humidity levels in summer, lower minimum values in winter, and broader fluctuation ranges overall.

The lectures will be held in English.

Free admission.

No registration needed.