2023 - November and December - page 29
Image details
| Issue number | 395 |
|---|---|
| ISSN | 2632-7171 |
| Publication date | 1st November 2023 |
| Transcription |
Feature resources, energy and money. Access copies are created as needed rather than as a general ingest concept. We use a lossless compression format (FFV1) making files a third of the size, saving space, resources and energy with no quality loss during transcoding. Storage is a central challenge in digital preservation. When choosing storage systems, we prioritise efficiency over performance. Our primary digital content (about 200TB in preservation master files) is stored on LTO tapes. They consume energy only when reading or writing, providing substantial energy savings compared to traditional spinning discs. The trade-off is a slight delay when accessing these files which is a minor inconvenience. We have integrated automation into many preservation and monitoring workflows, especially for moving and still images. This reduces computer workload, saving energy, while enhancing task accuracy and repeatability, allowing our staff to focus on other responsibilities. We prioritise occasional integrity checks for digitised assets during off-peak hours to conserve energy. Additionally, we frequently assess and remove redundant and duplicated content from our digital storage. We’re also in the process of implementing a Digital Asset Management System to streamline access and efficiency and to prevent duplicate files in our archive storage. In proactively addressing the challenge of climate change within our digital preservation activities, this commitment to sustainability does not compromise our ability to meet the highest professional digital archiving standards. Advocating Advocacy Advocacy is vital in promoting environmental sustainability and serves as a catalyst for inspiring climate action. Narratives within collections can play a role in that too. The Box Green Group is dedicated to advocating sustainable practices across our entire service working to the UNESCO Sustainable Development Goals. This includes managing our buildings, selecting materials for exhibitions and programmes, as well as on-site retail and catering choices. We’ve also integrated environmental themes into future exhibitions, with ‘Planet Ocean’ scheduled for February 2024 to inspire climate action and engagement. Additionally, we actively promote green procurement across our services, requiring our ICT and digital suppliers to demonstrate their environmental credentials. magazine a broader initiative to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainability in the digital realm. In today's interconnected, data-driven world, this mission is more critical than ever. The idea of making systematic changes to our practice may initially raise concerns, but we firmly believe that incremental steps can lead to tangible progress. By embracing sustainable digital practice, we can enhance resource efficiency, which not only saves money but also bolsters the overall resilience of our organisation. Most importantly, it contributes to safeguarding our planet. These compelling reasons underscore the importance of these initiatives. About the authors: Stacey is the Media Archivist for The Box with 22 years’ experience within the southwest cultural and heritage sector. She is a Registered Member of the Archives and Records Association, Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, Secretary of the ARA Film Sound and Photography Section and Research Officer for the ARA Environmental Sustainability Group. James is Media Technician for The Box who has worked within specialist media archives and television broadcast production for 23 years. Together, they have worked to develop decarbonised approaches to digital archiving in consultation with colleagues and peers within the UK’s media and film archive sector. Find out more about the ARA Environmental Sustainability Group: Meet the ARA Environmental Sustainability Group — Archives & Records Association Email: ARAenvironment@archives.org.uk You can also follow us on X: @ARAEnvironment The urgent need to address climate change has led to a growing movement within our sector to re- evaluate standards and frameworks through the lens of decarbonisation and sustainable practice. While decarbonising digital archives alone may not be a panacea for the climate crisis, it is an essential part of 29 |