Preservation Score

Factors that determine how well environmental conditions are managed depend on the standards that you set for your space.

One of the most basic environmental monitoring questions we can ask is "How well is a space performing?" Getting a quick sense of a space - are the conditions bad, good, or great - helps us identify problem areas and develop a plan to improve the environment.

Scoring System

One of the simplest yet essential questions in environmental monitoring is, "How well is a space performing?" A quick evaluation of whether conditions are bad, good, or great helps identify problem areas and guides efforts to improve the environment.

Evaluating a Space

There are multiple ways to evaluate a space. The Conserv scoring system is based on levels that you set in Conserv Cloud, including set points and fluctuation targets.

You can start with the default levels and adjust them as needed for your goals. Conserv prioritizes simplicity, using key variables to measure how well a space meets environmental goals, but more advanced scoring systems, like those from the Canadian Conservation Institute (CCI), are useful for in-depth conservation programs.

Where applicable, Conserv references CCI standards with links to their resources.

Set Points and Fluctuations

Conserv evaluates spaces based on set points and fluctuations in the data. The set point is the target average over time, such as a common goal of 50% relative humidity (RH). By averaging the readings, you can see how close you are to the set point. 

Fluctuations around the set point should be minimal, with a typical target of ±10% per 24 hours. For example, with a 50% RH target, readings between 40% and 60% are acceptable. While set points vary by collection, research shows that minimizing fluctuations is key because they cause more damage than set point deviations.

Standards

All objects have recommended set points and fluctuations based on their material, history, and the environmental control that is possible in a space. Conserv’s role is to understand the objects in a space and set an environmental standard that best preserves them.

To make it easier for you to get started, Conserv provides out-of-the-box standards for the Preservation Score. While these standards may not be ideal for every collection or space, they offer a quick starting point. Keep in mind that real-world expectations will vary depending on your collection, building, location, and ability to control conditions.

Temperature Standards

The Conserv default standard for temperature is 65°F ± 10°F, which Conserv classifies as a space with a Normal temperature set point and Medium fluctuations.

RH Standards

The Conserv default standard for RH is 50% RH ± 10% RH, which Conserv classifies as a space with a Normal RH set point and Medium fluctuations.

Scoring

To streamline how spaces are assessed, Conserv created a simple scoring system that focuses on fluctuations in temperature and RH. Since set points can vary significantly between and even within collections, set point compliance is excluded from scoring.

Score Meaning

The most effective way to evaluate your score is by comparing it to the objects in your space. The following table summarizes how scores correspond to the potential damage to your collection. Collections with less sensitive objects may have lower scores, while those with more sensitive objects require higher scores to ensure adequate protection.

Summary

Setting standards for your space is an evolving process. Begin with reasonable benchmarks and refine them based on your increasing understanding of environmental monitoring. Preservation Scores assist you in evaluating these basic standards as you work toward your environmental monitoring goals.