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Improving IAQ for historic artefacts

SPAIN: An EU-funded project has been established to preserve cultural heritage artefacts and reduce energy demand by up to 50% by improving indoor air quality.  

The Horizon Europe project SIMIACCI (Sustainable Intelligent Management of Indoor Air Quality for the Culture and Creative Industries) aims to revolutionise indoor air quality management in galleries, libraries, archives, and museums (GLAMs) by implementing innovative solutions that significantly reduce energy consumption. 

By using advanced metal organic frameworks (MOFs) to capture harmful pollutants like VOCs, NOx, and H2S, and developing predictive models for contaminant levels, SIMIACCI aims to enhance both air quality and artefact preservation.

The project will demonstrate these technologies in seven diverse GLAMs across Europe, setting a new standard for sustainability in the cultural sector. 

Through collaborative efforts involving academics, SMEs, large companies, and associations, SIMIACCI will develop and test 20 prototypes, engaging the public with exhibitions that highlight GLAMs’ leadership in climate transition. Additionally, the creation of the SIMIACCI label will promote these innovative solutions and their impact on sustainability.

The project aims to reduce energy demand for IAQ management by 30-50% through enhancing existing technologies, including CH storage, showcases and HVAC systems.

The SIMIACCI project was officially launched yesterday at Lisbon’s National Coach Museum.

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