Science Center Green Practices

Fact Sheet / January 10, 2021

Green Practices Fact Sheet 

The California Science Center’s effort to be an environmentally responsible citizen extends to instituting green design and building practices in the construction and development of Ecosystems. Here are some of the steps the Science Center has taken to reduce its environmental footprint:

Green Roofs

  • Located atop the Science Center School’s north building and in the Exploration Grove of

    the Wallis Annenberg Building.

  • Juniper and Bamboo trees are used to cover approximately 10,000 square feet.

Living Habitats

  • Automatic controls regulate pumps moving water in our aquariums reducing water

    consumption.

  • Sensors control water dissemination. Water dissemination is based on the species

    needs of plants and weather.

  • Aquarium water filtered and cleaned regularly to reduce water consumption.

    Irrigation

  • Water efficient landscape management practices control when and how much water

    Science Center plants receive.

  • Rain sensors automatically turn off the irrigation system when it rains, and the drip

    irrigation systems deliver water near the root zone of plants. Greenhouse

  •  Materials grown in the greenhouse are used throughout the Science Center habitats.

Heliostat

  • X2 panels deflect radiant sunlight onto Kelp Forest habitat to provide natural light saturation rather than artificial light.

Building Construction

  • 90% of Science Center construction demolition waste was diverted from landfill and

    recycled.

  • Plastic recycled lumber was used in a variety of building components.

  • Carpet and flooring products are made of 50% recycled content.

  • Recycled rubber flooring is used in the new building.

Mulching & Composting

  • Waste is used to create organic mulch. The mulch is used in landscaping and in our exhibit areas.

Windows

  • Large windows and skylights maximize natural light.

  • Double-paned low-emission glass windows are clear coated with a thin layer of metal

    oxide to block UV rays and insulates the building against heat loss or gain.

    Restrooms

  • Low-flush toilets and automatic shut-off faucets have been installed.

  • Restrooms are stocked with recycled paper products.

Food Services

  • Green waste composting and vermincomposting of food waste is utilized.

  • Compostable and biodegradable take-out containers, cutlery and cups, made from

    renewable sources, are used in all of our restaurant facilities.

  • On-site composting and trash sorting diverts 60% of our waste from landfills.

  • Restaurant kitchens use phosphate-free dishwashing detergent.

Energy Management

  • Thermal Ice Storage provides daytime ventilation and air conditioning while drawing

    power during non-peak periods.

  • Computerized energy efficient chillers enable efficient cooling of Science Center

    buildings while drawing power only as needed.

  • Energy efficient appliances are used whenever available.

  • Fluorescent bulbs set to timers are used throughout the facility.

  • Insulated exterior walls and ceilings reduce heat loss and gain.

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