EN 15757:2010
(Main)Conservation of Cultural Property - Specifications for temperature and relative humidity to limit climate-induced mechanical damage in organic hygroscopic materials
Conservation of Cultural Property - Specifications for temperature and relative humidity to limit climate-induced mechanical damage in organic hygroscopic materials
This European Standard 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 one per year) in indoor environments of museums, galleries, storage areas, archives, libraries, churches and modern or historical buildings.
Erhaltung des kulturellen Erbes - Festlegungen für Temperatur und relative Luftfeuchte zur Begrenzung klimabedingter mechanischer Beschädigungen an organischen hygroskopischen Materialien
Diese Europäische Norm ist eine Leitlinie, die die Temperatur und die relative Luftfeuchte festlegt, um klimabedingte physikalische Beschädigungen von hygroskopischen, organischen Materialien zu begrenzen, die in Innenräumen von Museen, Galerien, Lagerbereichen, Archiven, Bibliotheken, Kirchen sowie modernen oder historischen Gebäuden einer Langzeitlagerung oder Ausstellungen (mehr als eine je Jahr) ausgesetzt sind.
Conservation des biens culturels - Spécifications applicables à la température et à l'humidité relative pour limiter les dommages mécaniques causés par le climat aux matériaux organiques hygroscopiques
La présente Norme européenne fournit des lignes directrices relatives aux niveaux de température et d’humidité relative visant à limiter les dommages physiques causés par le climat aux matériaux organiques hygroscopiques stockés pendant de longues périodes ou présentés lors d’une exposition (plus d’une par an) dans les milieux internes de musées, galeries, archives, bibliothèques, églises et bâtiments modernes ou historiques.
Ohranjanje kulturne dediščine - Specifikacije za temperaturo in relativno vlažnost za omejitev klimatsko pogojenih mehanskih poškodb organskih higroskopskih materialov
Ta evropski standard je vodilo, ki opredeljuje ravni temperatur in relativne vlažnosti za omejitev klimatsko pogojenih fizičnih poškodb organskih higroskopskih materialov, ki so v dolgoročnih skladiščih ali na razstavi (več kot eden na leto) v notranjih okoljih muzejev, galerij, skladiščnih prostorih, arhivih, knjižnicah, cerkvah in modernih ali zgodovinskih stavbah.
General Information
Overview
EN 15757:2010 - Conservation of Cultural Property - provides a practical methodology to specify temperature and relative humidity (RH) conditions that limit climate‑induced mechanical damage in organic hygroscopic materials (e.g., wood, paper, textiles, leather, bone, ivory, paintings). The standard is intended for long‑term storage or exhibition (more than once per year) in indoor environments found in museums, galleries, archives, libraries, churches and historic or modern buildings. Its approach prioritizes the preservation of objects by reducing strain–stress cycles caused by changes in equilibrium moisture content (EMC).
Key Topics and Requirements
- Scope and material focus: Targets organic, hygroscopic materials susceptible to dimensional change with RH fluctuations; does not address chemical or biological deterioration mechanisms.
- Historical climate approach: Determine target levels and target range for RH from the room’s historical climate (microclimate) to which objects may have become acclimatised. Use complete calendar years (or multiples) of monitoring data to avoid seasonal bias.
- Stability over absolute values: Emphasis on stabilising RH and temperature (levels, seasonal cycles and short‑term fluctuations) rather than enforcing a single ideal value. Short‑term rapid changes and daily cycles should be avoided or mitigated.
- Annex A methodology: Informative guidance for determining RH targets including:
- Average level
- Seasonal cycle
- Short‑term fluctuations
- Determination of target ranges based on monitored data
- Risk‑based decision making: Prioritise based on object vulnerability (anisotropic vs isotropic materials), condition surveys, and a team assessment including a qualified conservator and environmental control expert.
- Control strategies: Combine monitoring, passive building measures and, where necessary, active HVAC solutions; aim to reduce energy, cost and intervention while maintaining acceptable preservation microclimate.
Applications and Users
Who uses EN 15757:2010:
- Conservators and preventive conservation teams
- Museum and archive managers
- Collection care and facilities engineers
- HVAC/environmental control consultants for cultural heritage
Practical applications:
- Defining RH and temperature specifications for exhibition and storage spaces
- Designing environmental monitoring programs and setting alarm thresholds
- Informing choice between passive measures and active climate control to limit mechanical damage
- Condition assessment guidance when moving objects between environments
Related Standards
- prEN 15898:2010 - main general terms and definitions for conservation of cultural property (referenced normative document)
- Use EN 15757 alongside institutional policies, conservation standards and local building regulations for integrated collection care.
Keywords: EN 15757:2010, conservation of cultural property, relative humidity, temperature, hygroscopic materials, EMC, microclimate, preventive conservation, museum climate control.
Standards Content (Sample)
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.VNRSVNLKPDWHULDORYErhaltung des kulturellen Erbes - Festlegungen für Temperatur und relative Luftfeuchte zur Begrenzung klimabedingter mechanischer Beschädigungen an organischen hygroskopischen MaterialienConservation des biens culturels - Spécifications applicables à la température et à l'humidité relative pour limiter les dommages mécaniques causés par le climat aux matériaux organiques hygroscopiquesConservation of Cultural Property - Specifications for temperature and relative humidity to limit climate-induces mechanical damage in organic hygroscopic materials97.195Umetniški in obrtniški izdelkiItems of art and handicrafts17.200.01Termodinamika na splošnoThermodynamics in generalICS:Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z:EN 15757:2010SIST EN 15757:2010en,fr,de01-december-2010SIST EN 15757:2010SLOVENSKI
STANDARD
EUROPEAN STANDARD NORME EUROPÉENNE EUROPÄISCHE NORM
EN 15757
September 2010 ICS 97.195 English Version
Conservation of Cultural Property - Specifications for temperature and relative humidity to limit climate-induced mechanical damage in organic hygroscopic materials
Conservation des biens culturels - Spécifications applicables à la température et à l'humidité relative pour limiter les dommages mécaniques causés par le climat aux matériaux organiques hygroscopiques
Erhaltung des kulturellen Erbes - Festlegungen für Temperatur und relative Luftfeuchte zur Begrenzung klimabedingter mechanischer Beschädigungen an organischen hygroskopischen Materialien This European Standard was approved by CEN on 30 July 2010.
CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN Management Centre or to any CEN member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN Management Centre has the same status as the official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
Management Centre:
Avenue Marnix 17,
B-1000 Brussels © 2010 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CEN national Members. Ref. No. EN 15757:2010: ESIST EN 15757:2010
Determination of the RH targets . 10A.1 Rationale . 10A.2 Environmental monitoring – data set . 10A.3 Calculation of the target values . 10A.3.1 Average level . 10A.3.2 Seasonal cycle . 10A.3.3 Short-term fluctuations . 11A.4 Determination of the target range . 11A.5 Example . 11Bibliography . 14 SIST EN 15757:2010
Introduction This European Standard 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. This category of objects includes wooden items and structural elements such as floors, doors, panelling and roof timbers, paintings, books, graphic documents, textiles, objects made of bone, ivory or leather. Objects can consist of several hygroscopic materials and different kinds of materials can be used together. To a varying degree, they are vulnerable to changes and fluctuations in ambient RH that produce changes in equilibrium moisture content (EMC) in the materials as they adsorb and release moisture to adapt themselves to the continually changing environmental conditions. The variations in EMC produce dimensional changes of the materials which may lead to high levels of stress and physical damage such as fracture and deformation.
Objects containing organic hygroscopic materials need individually determined levels and ranges of temperature and RH as generally they have become acclimatised to the environments in which they have been exposed for significant periods of time. Over time, as temperature and RH fluctuations cause sufficient internal stress to create fractures, these fractures will open and close as expansion joints enabling a wider range of acceptable temperature and RH fluctuations. The material is said to have "acclimatised" as it now responds differently to atmospheric conditions, though this acclimatisation should not be given a positive connotation because it is due to internal fracturing and results in a form of damage. The associated loss of historical value, aesthetic value and also monetary depends on the size and location of the crack. The determination of the temperature and RH ranges, which are optimal for preservation, is not simple due to the variety and complexity of the materials the objects comprise. Temperature has a direct effect on preservation but also an indirect effect as it controls RH of the air. The changes and fluctuations in temperature and RH should be considered from a static point of view of allowable levels or ranges and from a dynamic point of view, i.e. rate of change, duration of cycles and frequency at which cycles are repeated should be taken into account.
Deterioration is often of a cumulative nature and may be exacerbated by the number and the intensity of the individual environmental hazards. Changes and fluctuations of temperature and RH cause non-recoverable physical changes in materials although this is not always perceptible to the human eye. Vulnerability to deterioration mechanisms may increase with ageing. The same temperature and RH fluctuations may generate different effects depending on the type of object and its age.
Given the extreme complexity of the response of materials found in cultural property to variations of temperature and RH, this standard proposes a methodology leading to general specifications to limit climate-induced physical damage of organic hygroscopic materials. Therefore the standard deals with a selected category of damage and does not cover other important deterioration processes affecting other materials influenced by microclimatic factors such as oxidation, acid hydrolysis, biodeterioration, corrosion reactions and dissolution of associated materials due to deliquescence, salt crystallisation among others. The proposed methodology is based on an analysis of a particular historical climate environment and a condition survey of the most vulnerable and/or valuable objects. The decision therefore is made on the harmlessness (or otherwise) of the existing climatic conditions. This approach usually allows for target temperatures and RH ranges that are more flexible than the single target values that are commonly accepted as ideal conditions for preservation of cultural property. This in turns allows a reduction in the environmental control needed to ensure good preservation of objects. Less and simpler equipment is required and investment, maintenance costs can be reduced. The control of temperature and RH can be further minimised by enhancing the passive control capacity of the building. High standards of preservation in historical buildings can be maintained through the use of affordable and efficient low energy solutions despite increase in the cost of energy. SIST EN 15757:2010
1 Scope This European Standard 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 one per year) in indoor environments of museums, galleries, storage areas, archives, libraries, churches and modern or historical buildings. 2 Normative references The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies. prEN 15898:2010, Conservation of cultural property
Main general terms and definitions concerning conservation of cultural property 3 Terms and definitions For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in prEN 15898:2010 and the following apply. 3.1 active control use of devices able to force exchanges of heat, moisture or air, integrated with real-time processing sensors and controllers 3.2 air temperature
T temperature read on a thermometer which is exposed to air in a position sheltered from direct solar radiation or other energy sources NOTE If objects are exposed to direct radiation black globe or black strip thermometers should be used. For definition see also EN 15758. 3.3 equilibrium moisture content
EMC moisture content at which a hygroscopic material neither loses nor gains moisture from the surrounding atmosphere at given relative humidity and temperature levels 3.4 Heating, Ventilating or Air Conditioning Systems
HVAC active systems operated to control air temperature (heating), air temperature and humidity (air conditioning), or ventilation in a building
3.5 historical climate climatic conditions in a microenvironment where a cultural heritage object has always been kept, or has been kept for a long period of time (at least one year) and to which it has become acclimatized SIST EN 15757:2010
NOTE Typically refers to the microenvironment that interacts with the objects under consideration. 3.9 Relative Humidity
RH ratio of the actual water vapour pressure to the saturation vapour pressure 3.10 target level RH level that should be maintained to best ensure preservation NOTE Determined by the historical climate of a given environment that has been proved not to be harmful to the preservation of objects. Otherwise, it should be specified by a qualified conservation professional. 3.11 target range
range of RH fluctuations that should be not be exceeded to best ensure preservation
NOTE Determined by the historical climate of a given environment that has been proved not to be harmful to the preservation of objects. Otherwise, it should be specified by a qualified conservation professional. 4 General recommendations for organic hygroscopic materials In general, organic hygroscopic materials require a mid RH range as the extremes (high and low RH ranges), aff
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Frequently Asked Questions
EN 15757:2010 is a standard published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Its full title is "Conservation of Cultural Property - Specifications for temperature and relative humidity to limit climate-induced mechanical damage in organic hygroscopic materials". This standard covers: This European Standard 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 one per year) in indoor environments of museums, galleries, storage areas, archives, libraries, churches and modern or historical buildings.
This European Standard 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 one per year) in indoor environments of museums, galleries, storage areas, archives, libraries, churches and modern or historical buildings.
EN 15757:2010 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 97.195 - Items of art and handicrafts. Cultural property and heritage. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
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The EN 15757:2010 standard provides a comprehensive framework for the conservation of cultural property, specifically addressing the specifications for temperature and relative humidity necessary to mitigate climate-induced mechanical damage in organic hygroscopic materials. This standard plays a crucial role in the preservation of items housed in long-term storage or exhibitions, particularly within the contexts of museums, galleries, archives, libraries, and both modern and historical buildings. One of the significant strengths of this standard is its detailed guidance on maintaining optimal environmental conditions that protect hygroscopic materials from the detrimental effects of fluctuating humidity and temperature. By defining precise ranges for these variables, the EN 15757:2010 standard not only assists conservators and curators in ensuring the longevity of cultural artifacts but also fosters best practices in environmental monitoring and control. Moreover, the relevance of this standard extends beyond mere preservation; it underscores the importance of a holistic approach to conservation techniques that account for environmental factors. This proactive stance is especially vital in today’s changing climate, where variations in temperature and humidity can have unpredictable effects on organic materials. The standard serves as an essential reference for institutions seeking to implement rigorous environmental controls, engaging in effective risk management, and ensuring the stewardship of culturally significant materials. In summary, EN 15757:2010 stands out as a pivotal resource in the conservation field, aligning technical specifications with practical applications, thereby advancing the capabilities of professionals tasked with the safeguarding of our cultural heritage.
Die Norm EN 15757:2010 bietet umfassende Vorgaben zur Konservierung von Kulturgütern, indem sie spezifische Temperatur- und relative Luftfeuchtigkeitswerte festlegt. Diese Spezifikationen sind entscheidend, um klimabedingte mechanische Schäden an hygroskopischen, organischen Materialien zu minimieren, die in Innenräumen wie Museen, Galerien, Lagerräumen, Archiven, Bibliotheken, Kirchen sowie in modernen oder historischen Gebäuden gelagert oder ausgestellt werden. Eine der größten Stärken der Norm liegt in ihrer Praxistauglichkeit, da sie auf die Bedürfnisse von Einrichtungen eingeht, die Kulturgüter bewahren und ausstellen. Die klar definierten Richtlinien ermöglichen es den Verantwortlichen, ein optimales Klima zu schaffen, um langfristige Schäden zu verhindern. Zudem fördert die Norm den standardisierten Umgang mit hygroskopischen Materialien, wodurch die Qualität und Integrität der Kunstwerke sowie historischen Dokumente geschützt wird. Ein weiterer relevanter Aspekt ist die Europäische Dimension der Norm, die eine einheitliche Basis für die Konservierung bietet und es Institutionen ermöglicht, international vergleichbare Standards für die Lagerung und Präsentation von Kulturgütern zu implementieren. Der Schutz von Kulturgütern ist von höchster Bedeutung, und die EN 15757:2010 trägt wesentlich dazu bei, bewährte Methoden zu etablieren, die es Einrichtungen ermöglichen, ihre Sammlungen über Generationen hinweg zu bewahren. Zudem wird durch die Einhaltung dieser Norm das Bewusstsein für die Bedeutung des Klimamanagements in der Konservierung gefördert, was zu einer besseren Planung und Durchführung von Ausstellungen und Lagerungspraktiken führt. Die Norm stellt daher nicht nur eine technische Richtlinie dar, sondern fungiert auch als wichtiges Werkzeug zur Sensibilisierung und Ausbildung von Fachkräften im Bereich der Konservierung kultureller Werte.
La norme EN 15757:2010 fournit un cadre essentiel pour la conservation du patrimoine culturel, en spécifiant les conditions de température et d'humidité relative requises pour minimiser les dommages mécaniques causés par le climat sur les matériaux organiques hygroscopiques. Cette norme européenne est particulièrement pertinente pour les institutions telles que les musées, les galeries, les archives, et même les églises, où la préservation à long terme de ces matériaux est cruciale. L'un des points forts de la norme réside dans sa capacité à offrir des directives claires et pratiques concernant les conditions environnementales optimales. En fixant des seuils de température et d'humidité, elle permet de prévenir les altérations physiques qui pourraient résulter d'une exposition inappropriée aux variations climatiques. De plus, la norme s'applique à une large gamme de contextes, allant des bâtiments modernes aux structures historiques, ce qui en fait un outil flexible et adaptable pour divers établissements de conservation. L'importance de la norme EN 15757:2010 ne peut être sous-estimée, car elle vise à protéger les objets de valeur inestimable en définissant des standards mesurables pour le suivi et le contrôle des environnements de stockage. Cela se traduit par une meilleure gestion des ressources et une prolongation de la durée de vie des matériaux, garantissant ainsi leur intégrité pour les générations futures. En résumé, la norme SIST EN 15757:2010 se révèle être une référence incontournable pour toute institution engagée dans la conservation du patrimoine culturel, en fournissant des directives précises qui aident à mitiger les effets délétères du climat sur les matériaux organiques hygroscopiques.
SIST EN 15757:2010 표준은 유럽 표준으로서, 유기 흡습성 물질의 기후 유발 물리적 손상을 제한하기 위한 온도와 상대 습도 수준을 규정한 것으로, 문화재 보존에 필수적인 가이드라인을 제공합니다. 이 표준의 범위는 박물관, 갤러리, 보관 공간, 아카이브, 도서관, 교회 및 현대 혹은 역사적 건물의 실내 환경에서 연 1회 이상의 장기 보관 또는 전시되는 흡습성 유기 물질에 대한 것입니다. 이 표준의 강점은 과학적 근거에 기반하여 설정된 온도와 상대 습도 수준을 제시함으로써, 실질적인 기후 관리 전략을 수립하는 데 도움을 준다는 점입니다. 또한, 다양한 문화재의 유형과 상태에 따라 맞춤형으로 적용 가능하여, 보존 관리자의 유연성을 제공합니다. 이를 통해 유기 재료에 대한 물리적 손상을 최소화하고, 궁극적으로는 문화재의 수명을 연장할 수 있는 방안을 제시합니다. SIST EN 15757:2010 표준은 문화재 보존 분야에서의 중요성을 잘 반영하고 있으며, 특히 기후 변화와 같은 현대적 도전에 대응하기 위한 필수적인 도구로 자리하고 있습니다. 이 표준은 실내 환경 관리를 강화하고, 유기 흡습성 물질의 보존을 위해 필요한 최적의 기후 조건을 설정하는 데 도움을 주므로, 문화재 보호를 위해 반드시 숙지해야 할 문서입니다.
EN 15757:2010は、文化財の保存に関する重要な標準であり、湿気を吸収する有機材料に対して気候による機械的損傷を制限するための温度と相対湿度の仕様を示しています。この標準は、博物館、ギャラリー、保管施設、アーカイブ、図書館、教会、さらには現代および歴史的建物の屋内環境で、長期保管または展示（年に1回以上）される有機材料の保存に特化しています。 この標準の強みは、まずその明確なガイドラインにあります。温度と相対湿度の適切なレベルが詳細に示されており、これにより文化財の劣化を最小限に抑えることができます。また、具体的な数値を提示することで、施設の管理者やキュレーターが実施すべき対策を容易に理解し、実行することが可能です。 さらに、EN 15757:2010は、気候変動や温度変化が有機材料に与える影響を考慮しており、持続可能な保存方法の重要性を強調しています。そのため、この標準は単なるガイドラインを超えて、文化財保存の倫理的な側面にも寄与しています。特に、異なる種類の有機材料に対応した柔軟性がある点も評価されるべきです。 最後に、この標準の国際的な関連性も無視できません。EU域内で広く利用されているだけでなく、他国の保存施設や文化財管理にも適用可能な基礎を提供しています。このように、EN 15757:2010は、文化財の適正な保存を促進し、後世に継承するための必須の文書と言えるでしょう。
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