PurposeMechanical systems in library environments are typically designed to run continuously in order to maintain the desired environmental conditions for preservation purposes, often resulting in a high cost in dollars and energy consumption. Altering these conditions through changed HVAC operating schedules is a risk many librarians and institutions are hesitant to take. This study aims to introduce the methodology and early findings of current research into the question of whether energy usage can be significantly reduced in libraries by carefully monitored and risk‐managed shutdowns of air handling units (AHUs) during unoccupied hours in selected spaces without compromising the quality of the preservation environment.Design/methodology approachAs part of the project, the authors are monitoring up to three air handling units (AHUs) at each of five partner institutions, three of which are university libraries or repositories, as well as the associated collections spaces served by the units.FindingsEarly findings show the potential value of systems shutdowns in various parts of the country, while also identifying regions that are less favorable.Practical implicationsIn all cases, the experimentation with and successful implementation of a shutdown schedule, without adversely affecting preservation conditions, was preceded by careful documentation and risk management, as described.Originality/valueUnlike unilateral HVAC equipment shutdowns and setbacks conducted solely for energy management, with little regard for collections, this risk‐managed and documented approach potentially allows for the reduction of energy usage without placing collections' health at risk.

Strategic equipment shutdowns are common strategies fo r saving energy in buildings du ring unoccupied times. The Image Permanence Institute is testing whether it is possible to significantly reduce ene rgy usage in libraries and other cultu ral institutions th rough carefully moni to red and ri sk-managed shutdowns of air-handling units during unoc cupied hours in select spaces without comp rom ising the quality of the prese rvation environment. This paper concentrates on the identifica tion and mitigation of risks and the decision-making process related to expe rimental shutdown procedures in the cu rrently in-progress three year project, federally funded in the United States by the Institute for Museum and Library Services. Potential risk factors are identified for candidate spaces and shutdown procedures, options for qualitative and quantitative analyses are presented, and potential benefits in both prese rvation quality and energy savings are described. While heating, ventilating, and airconditioning (HVAC) equipment shutdowns have long been recognized as a strategic option for institutions to achieve ener gy savings, the particular requirements of preservation environments for cultural

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