Environmental monitoring is often overlooked as an essential element of running an organization. But what exactly does it involve? And, in which sectors is it most important to day-to-day operations? Let’s take a look.
What is Environmental Monitoring?
Simply put, environmental monitoring is the observation and tracking of conditions in a given area. In a business, this will be a building, room or smaller enclosed space – more broadly, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe conducts environmental monitoring in the wider ecosystem. Here, we will discuss the former.
Most commonly, an environmental monitoring system will involve keeping an eye on the air, power supply, temperature and pollutants using a sensor. The sensor will pick up on any power surges, dust, humidity, sudden temperature changes, and so on, alerting you to these potential problems. This will allow you to solve the problem before it becomes a potentially dangerous or catastrophic situation.
Which organizations can benefit from environmental monitoring systems?
Data Centers
Any specific data storage organization or business that stores data in a server room can benefit from a data center environmental monitoring system. If the server room were to be overcome by excessive humidity or moisture, this could cause irreversible damage to the equipment. Similarly, dust and debris can get stuck in the device and sudden changes in temperature can cause it to overheat.
Most importantly, data centers and server rooms need a stable and continuous power supply to function. If there is ever a power outage or power surge, the loss of data and potential business downtime can result in significant loss of confidence and profit as an organization.
Museums and Galleries
Museums will preserve and exhibit highly sensitive objects and artefacts that are simply irreplaceable and priceless. Thus, it is important for museums to properly preserve these artifacts, which includes the optimal environment for the preservation of said artifacts.
In this scenario, the key elements are likely to be temperature and humidity. If the air is too warm and dry, it can break – but too cold and wet, and it can be irreparably damaged. Of course, they are likely to be illuminated by lights as well, so it is essential to ensure that the lights do not overheat the screen.
Collections and Archives
Like museums, collections and archives will have a carefully curated collection of books, texts and documents of historical significance. Although you likely won’t be able to see these items without special permission, it’s important to make sure they’re stored in an appropriate environment.
Storage
Following on from this, conservation organizations can also benefit from environmental monitoring for the same reason. Although, of course, the items stored will not be as valuable as those found in a museum, gallery or archive, your customers still have their trust in you to keep their items safe, and so should The same care and attention is given to all the lockers, self storage units or mobile storage you have in place.
Environmental monitoring will ensure that furniture is not cracked or warped and mold or mildew will not have the opportunity to grow on any of the items stored in your facility.
