Palazzo Falson historic house museum in Mdina has been open to the public for six months. While visitors have focused on the impressive, visible changes brought about in the museum, Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti, Malta's private heritage organisation which manages the Palazzo, has been active behind the scenes ensuring the museum is run along sound, environmentally-friendly lines.
Recently, the museum deployed a staff member as its in-house environmental officer to oversee practices and advise on how the museum can reduce its carbon footprint. The Palazzo adopts best practice in energy conservation and in the environmental protection of the collection, using some of the latest technology.
"We have installed membrane on the roof which incorporates photo-voltaic elements to convert solar energy into electricity. We reduce the amount of power-station generated electricity drawn from the national grid and we also feed spare electricity generated in this 'green' way into the national grid," explains Michael Lowell, Patrimonju Malti's senior executive.
The museum also uses common ideas - for example, staff are running a voluntary recycling programme and separating waste at source.
The Captain Olof Gollcher collection housed in the museum is unique for its diversity and the rarity of some of its pieces. It therefore requires sensitive environmental control to withstand not only time, but also the difficult conditions posed by its presentation within Mdina's oldest building.
Five years of painstaking restoration overcame many of the poor environmental conditions faced, such as infestation, mould, growth and water. Now, Patrimonju Malti has countered the damaging effects of harsh Mediterranean light.
"We needed to offer modern, museum presentation which allowed sufficient natural light in to enhance the visitor experience. But, at the same time, we didn't wish to damage the collection, particularly its paintings," says Mr Lowell.
To balance both demands, the Palazzo recently installed special, technical blinds. Used in major museums and art collections worldwide, the blinds let light in, but are designed to reduce sunlight, ultraviolet light, glare and heat and are ideal too for energy saving as they reduce the amount of heat entering or leaving a room.
Palazzo Falson's environmental credentials extend also to its events in which it includes subtle yet useful environmentally-friendly measures. Over the coming Christmas season, the museum is organising workshops for children who will be made aware that materials such as booklets and handouts are produced from recycled materials.