HMSA
HMSA
HERITAGE MATERIALS & SUSTAINABILITY PLATFORM
Materials & Sustainability Platform for Historic Structures

The HMSA Platform is a product- and brand-independent information and training platform run by Letoon, aimed at developing sustainable materials and practices in the field of cultural heritage.

Incorrect material selection and applications in cultural heritage structures can lead to irreversible damage. HMSA focuses on decision-making based on scientific knowledge, understanding material-structure-environment interactions, and developing long-term conservation approaches to mitigate this risk.

Mıssıon

Aims to support the research, development, and application of building materials used in cultural heritage structures in accordance with scientific, ethical, and sustainable principles.

Vısıon

To be a platform accepted as a reference in material science and sustainability in cultural heritage conservation, generating knowledge and providing direction on a national and international scale.

Focus and Actıvıty Areas
Natural Stone & Lime Systems
Cleaning & Conservation Materials
Bio-based / Low Carbon Products
Local & Traditional Materials
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
Sustainable Material Guides
Training & Certificate Programs
HMSA Sustainable Materials Guide & Principles
1. Natural and Traditional Materials

Solutions compatible with the structure’s original material and reversible. Lime-based mortars and natural stone completion are essential.

2. Bio-based and Ecological Materials

Natural fiber reinforcements (hemp, flax), plant-based resins, and environmentally friendly approaches are supported.

3. Recyclable Solutions

Sustainability means reversibility. Removable (reversible) consolidants are prioritized.

4. Sustainability in Cleaning

pH-controlled, biodegradable cleaners and non-micro-abrasive systems are used.

5. Ethics and Life Cycle

Questions like “What will this material do to the surface in 50 years?” and “What is the maintenance cost?” must be asked.

6. Golden Rules in Application

The “minimum intervention” principle, compatibility tests, and proper applicator training are parts of the process.

What Does the Platform Do / Not Do?

The purpose of the HMSA Platform is not sales; it is to generate knowledge, ethics, and awareness.

WHAT DOES IT DO?
  • Generates knowledge based on science, sustainability, and ethics.
  • Prepares open-access guides on historic building materials.
  • Develops product- and brand-independent training programs.
  • Combines field experience with scientific data.
  • Encourages qualified and reversible interventions.
WHAT DOES IT NOT DO?
  • Does not promote any product, brand, or company.
  • Does not engage in activities with commercial sales or marketing objectives.
  • Does not encourage irreversible aggressive interventions.
  • Does not allow sponsorships to dictate content.
  • Does not claim official authorization or licensing.
HMSA Traınıng Approach

Our training is product-brand independent, case-based, and includes field experience.

  • Level 1: Basic Training (Open Participation)
  • Level 2: Specialization Program (Certified)
LETOON & HMSA Relatıonshıp

HMSA is run by Letoon but is independent of commercial activities. The platform generates technical knowledge independent of products, brands, and commercial expectations.

📄 HMSA Impartiality and Ethics Statement
1. PURPOSE

This statement is prepared to pledge that all training, publishing, research, and capacity-building activities carried out by the Heritage Materials & Sustainability Association (HMSA) Platform will be conducted in accordance with the principles of scientific impartiality, ethical responsibility, and public benefit.

While the HMSA Platform is conducted under the umbrella of Letoon Architecture and Restoration, it adopts an approach independent of commercial direction in the processes of knowledge generation and sharing.

2. PRINCIPLE OF IMPARTIALITY

The HMSA Platform;

  • Does not directly or indirectly promote any product, brand, company, or commercial entity in its training and publication content,
  • Evaluates materials, methods, and applications based on scientific data, field observations, and international conservation principles,
  • Consciously avoids approaches where a single product or system is mandated.
3. PREVENTION OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST
  • Commercial sales, directive, or marketing language is not used in training, guides, and publications offered under HMSA.
  • Potential sponsorships, support, or collaborations are clearly stated, and content independence is maintained.
  • Information generated by the HMSA Platform does not constitute a direct reference or mandatory link to Letoon’s commercial services.
4. SCIENTIFIC AND PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
  • All content is prepared in light of current scientific literature, field experience, and professional ethical rules.
  • National legislation regarding cultural heritage, international conservation conventions, and principle decisions are taken as the basis.
  • Interventions that are irreversible or damaging to cultural value are not encouraged.
5. TRANSPARENCY
  • The scope, method, and evaluation criteria of training programs are clearly defined.
  • Sources used in published guides and documents are cited.
  • The objectives and working methods of the HMSA Platform are shared publicly.
6. SCOPE AND BINDINGNESS

This statement is binding for all persons and institutions producing content, providing training, providing consultancy, or collaborating within the scope of the HMSA Platform.

7. COMMITMENT

The HMSA Platform publicly commits to adhering to ethical principles, prioritizing impartial knowledge generation, and prioritizing public benefit in all activities conducted in the field of cultural heritage.

LEGAL NOTICE AND ETHICS STATEMENT The HMSA Platform is product and brand independent. No content on the platform is intended for commercial direction. All activities are carried out in accordance with the Ethics Statement above.
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