Sustainability at the Aquarium

The Aquarium is swimming toward net-zero emissions and waste by 2035.

Overview

Monterey Bay Aquarium is committed to reaching net-zero emissions and waste across our campus by 2035. We’re reducing emissions, diverting waste, and inspiring our staff, members, and guests to take meaningful action for a healthier planet. These ambitious goals drive us forward, making us a leader in ocean conservation and the fight against climate change and the fight against climate change.

Explore our sustainability dashboard to see our progress

What do net-zero emissions and waste mean?

Net-zero emissions mean balancing the greenhouse gases we emit with those we remove. Think of it like filling a bathtub with the drain open—as long as water flows in at the same rate it drains out, the level stays the same. Our first priority is to reduce our emissions as much as possible. We're constantly exploring new ways to reduce emissions, but for now, some are still necessary to keep our aquarium running smoothly. For the emissions we produce, we’re committed to removing an equal amount through tree planting, wetland restoration, and other innovative carbon capture efforts.

Net-zero waste means creating a system where almost everything gets reused, recycled, composted, repaired, or donated, with very little ending up in the landfill. It doesn’t mean producing zero trash, but rather making sure that everything we bring in gets used completely or turned into something new. Just like our net-zero emissions goal, the first step is reducing the amount of waste we generate as much as possible. This includes using far fewer single-use products and packaging—for example, by transporting goods in reusable crates instead of disposable boxes. When reusable options aren’t yet available (though we’re actively working to innovate more), we choose materials that are can be easy to recycle or compost. And, of course, moving away from plastic! The goal is to stop adding to the waste problem and make sure all materials are used instead of ending up in a landfill.

Prioritizing donation and repair

We prioritize donating and repairing items instead of disposing of them, giving them a second life and keeping them out of landfills. From office furniture and IT equipment to exhibition materials, we donate resources to other institutions whenever possible. By focusing on waste diversion, we extend the life of valuable materials and reduce our environmental impact.

Reducing paper use with digital solutions

We have reduced paper use by switching to digital tools for daily tasks. Cloud-based apps like Adaptive Insights, Concur, Sage Intacct, and UKG help us manage our finances without printing paperwork. Our staff uses online tools like Google Suite, OneDrive, and Zoom to communicate and share files, and the Aquarium uses DocuSign for contracts and forms.

Committing to carbon neutrality

We became the first business in the Monterey Bay region to run on 100 percent wind and solar power in 2018. In addition, we have been a carbon-neutral organization since 2017, meaning we balance out the carbon we produce by supporting projects that help the environment. For example, we support the Dhaka Methane Leak Repair Project in Bangladesh, which detects and repairs methane gas leaks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Methane is especially important to tackle because it can trap 20 to 80 times more heat than carbon dioxide. Another example is the Acre Amazon REDD+ Portfolio in Brazil. These projects aim to prevent deforestation in the Amazon rainforest by working with local communities to promote sustainable development and protect biodiversity.

Committing to sustainable investments

The Monterey Bay Aquarium is dedicated to aligning our endowment investments with our mission to protect the ocean and promote social equity. We actively seek investments that generate positive environmental and social impacts while delivering financial returns. Our portfolio prioritizes industries that support ocean conservation, sustainable agriculture, and underserved communities. Since 2018, we have eliminated direct investments in fossil fuel companies and are committed to minimizing indirect exposure to them. We also prioritize investment managers who embrace diversity, equity, and sustainability, ensuring our financial decisions reflect our values and vision for a thriving planet.