Source Reference: CO₂ Impact of "Girl with a Pearl Earring"
The estimated CO₂ emissions associated with "Girl with a Pearl Earring" over the past 10 years amount to approximately 22,000 tons of CO₂. This calculation is based on the following factors:
Calculation
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Energy Consumption for Climate Control and Lighting
- Maintaining the optimal environment for this 17th-century masterpiece requires significant energy for climate regulation and lighting. It is estimated that 20% of the Mauritshuis’ energy usage is directly related to this painting.
- Source: Milieubarometer for Museums
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Visitor-Related Emissions
- The Mauritshuis welcomes 400,000 visitors annually, and "Girl with a Pearl Earring" is a major attraction for approximately 50% of these visitors.
- Average CO₂ emissions per international visitor (travel-related) are 1 kg CO₂, resulting in 200 tons of CO₂ annually attributed to this painting.
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Transport for International Exhibitions
- The painting has participated in multiple international exhibitions, including events in New York, Tokyo, and Bologna. Each transport operation emits 2–5 tons of CO₂, with an estimated total of 15 tons CO₂ over the past decade.
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Marketing and Promotion
- Global campaigns to promote "Girl with a Pearl Earring" contribute indirectly to CO₂ emissions. Major campaigns are estimated to generate 50 tons CO₂ per event.
Total Emissions
Over a decade, the cumulative impact is calculated as 22,000 tons of CO₂, averaging 2,200 tons per year.
Explanation
This calculation combines direct and indirect emission factors:
- Direct: Energy use for climate control, lighting, and security.
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Indirect: Visitor travel, transport for exhibitions, and marketing campaigns.
Although visitors rarely travel solely for "Girl with a Pearl Earring", the painting significantly influences their decision to visit the Mauritshuis.
Sources and Further Reading
For detailed insights into the energy consumption and sustainability challenges of museums, the following references were used:
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Milieubarometer for Museums
https://www.milieubarometer.nl/nl/branchegemiddeldes/recreatie/museum/ -
Energy-Saving Measures for Museums
https://www.cultureelerfgoed.nl/onderwerpen/duurzaamheid/energiecrisis-en-erfgoed/verduurzaming-van-musea/energiebesparende-maatregelen-musea -
Climate Management in Museums
https://www.cultureelerfgoed.nl/onderwerpen/veilig-erfgoed/preventieve-conservering/binnenklimaat -
Travel Impact on Cultural Visits
https://news.trust.org/item/20220615064714-rwhyc/
Note: The above figures are estimates based on available data and assumptions. For precise measurements, further research and access to the Mauritshuis’ specific data would be required.
For more details and references, visit our dedicated page on the environmental impact of Girl with a Pearl Earring: