The National Aquarium has committed to eliminating the aquarium’s greenhouse gas emissions by 2035 as part of the organization’s ongoing work to combat climate change.
Over the past six months, the aquarium has worked with environmental consulting firm Verdis Group to calculate the organization’s carbon footprint.
To achieve net-zero emissions, the aquarium will invest in renewable energy, electrify its fleet and infrastructure, increase energy conservation measures, and implement emerging technologies to increase on-site renewable energy such as solar power.
“While the tasks ahead of us may seem daunting, the rewards, including a cleaner, more sustainable ocean planet for future generations, are worth the effort,” said Jennifer Driban, the aquarium’s senior vice president and chief mission officer, in a statement.
The aquarium has already taken steps towards the goal, reducing its emissions by 31 percent from 2010 to 2019. Currently, 40 percent of the aquarium’s total electricity comes from renewable energy sources.
In the first phase of the plan, the aquarium will focus on scope 1 and scope 2 emissions – such as the fuel that is used on-site and the energy purchased for operations. In a future study, the aquarium will analyze ways to reduce indirect emissions, like those related to waste and water.
The aquarium’s commitment to net-zero emissions is part of a larger push to reduce emissions as the impacts of climate change become more severe.
State and local leaders in Maryland have made efforts to reduce the state’s greenhouse gas emissions over time. This legislative session, the Maryland General Assembly passed a bill establishing a statewide goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045.
On Friday, in celebration of Earth Day, 24 members of the Aquarium Conservation Partnership, including the National Aquarium, pledged to take steps towards climate neutrality.
The National Aquarium’s commitment to net-zero emissions is in line with the organization’s Conservation Action Plan, which includes goals such as combating climate change, saving wildlife and habitats, and stopping plastic pollution.
Beyond eliminating emissions, the aquarium will continue to mitigate climate change impacts by restoring wetlands, pushing for the reduction of single-use plastics, and planting trees.
