Context 164 - May 2020

46 C O N T E X T 1 6 4 : M A Y 2 0 2 0 prevention and treatment of damp, is one of our many contributions to good conservation practice. On a wider scale, resilience is also a key component of sustainability. In my last two columns in Context I have attempted to stress my green credentials, and I am pleased to note that the IHBC has recently issued a position statement entitled ‘Sustainability and Conservation of the Built Environment’. It was written by Roy Lewis, the IHBC’s policy secretary, with help from members of our Green Panel and others. It has been publicised in our Newsblogs and an article about it will appear in the 2020 IHBCYearbook . The statement recognises that climate change is a fundamental global threat that demands appropriate responses from all who have the ability to influence change. It states that ‘conservation of the historic built environment is an essential component of the response to the threat posed by climate change and long-term planning for sustainable development’. This is followed by a list of 16 key points that underpin this belief. It then sets out how the IHBC intends to support sustainable practice. I commend it to you. As I write this article in lockdown, like most Context readers, I am having to consider further what the implications of the coronavirus pandemic are for the IHBC, both as an organisation and its members. I have made members aware in Newsblogs of our ‘Fee FreeYear’ scheme to assist those whose employment prospects might be uncertain, and of the possibility of a reduced subscription rate for those on limited incomes. We are also publicising, again through Newsblogs, helpful advice on employment and other issues from the Heritage Alliance and other organisations. IHBC officers and staff are working from home and keeping our services running at a high level. Our branches are being helped to reschedule events and meetings. I sincerely hope that by the time this issue of Context appears there is some light at the end of the tunnel and that readers, their families and friends will have survived and remain in good health. David McDonald, chair@ihbc.org.uk Brighton Aquarium and the seafront in the 1890s. The city will be the venue for the IHBC Annual School in 2021.