GREEN TALES Aquarium of the Pacific: A Model for Start-Up Sustainability By Barbara Long

ince its founding in 1998, the Aquarium of the Pacific Aquarium was one of seven institutions in California partici- in Long Beach, Calif., has made reducing its car- pating in an ongoing statewide campaign, Ignite! Museums Sbon footprint and use of resources a priority, even as as Catalysts for Sustainability, spearheaded by the California its physical footprint and annual attendance have grown. Association of Museums’ Green Museums Initiative. The goal Installing state-of-the-art facilities management and life sup- of this initiative is to inspire museums in California to develop port systems, opening a new LEED Platinum classroom, and green business practices, eco-friendly facility management, adopting energy-saving practices are among the Aquarium’s and sustainable programming. The Aquarium convened a ongoing efforts to operate sustainably. While the Aquarium roundtable discussion with museum leaders, scientists, en- has installed a new business management system, many vironmentalists, community stakeholders, and artists to dis- simple changes that any zoo or aquarium could undertake cuss how to preserve ecosystems and promote healthy com- have also made a difference. munities in their region. Reducing water consumption has been one of the If you have a story to tell about your green efforts, please Aquarium’s main goals. Removing a section of lawn and send your idea to Meg Matthews at mmatthews@sheddaquar-

green tales replacing it with a drought-resistant native garden saved ium.org . We look forward to hearing from you in Green Tales 550,000 gallons of water in one year. Dual-flush toilets and in an upcoming issue of CONNECT ! waterless urinals have also helped save water. Other “green” ef- forts include replacing bio-degradable, disposable plates and BARBARA LONG IS A GSAG MEMBER AND utensils with real dishes and utensils in the Aquarium’s Café VICE PRESIDENT OF GOVERNMENT RELATIONS Scuba. Washing these items uses more water, but reduces the AND SPECIAL PROJECTS AT AQUARIUM OF THE P ACIFIC waste sent to a landfill. Biodegradable products are not always the greenest approach. THE GREEN TALES COMMITTEE IS COMPRISED OF Participating in workshops or joining associations can be RUTH ALLARD , J ENNIFER HALE (GREEN SAG C HAIR), a good way to share ideas with other institutions. Last fall the JOHN GARNER, MEG MATTHEWS AND D AVID MCGUIRE

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28 CONNECT January 2013