Sustainability Statement
The Saint Louis Science Center recognizes the need to preserve a livable planet. As a science-based institution, we have a unique responsibility to model sustainability best practices and empower our guests and community to make sustainable choices.
As we advance our sustainability journey, we challenge ourselves to live our core values by asking questions like:
INCLUSIVE & WELCOMING TO ALL
How can we bring the benefits of sustainable living to everyone?
FORWARD THINKING
How can our efforts align with international Sustainable Development Goals?
PLAYFUL & CURIOUS
What creative and fun solutions to the status quo can we imagine?
COMMUNITY FOCUSED
How can we best convey sustainable values to St. Louis residents and guests?
LIFELONG LEARNERS
How can we adapt as the science and technology of sustainability evolve?
COLLABORATIVE
How can we learn and work together both internally and externally to have a greater impact?
Our efforts are supported by an interdepartmental sustainability initiative at the Science Center focused on guest and team education and engagement, utility and operational efficiency, and more. Samples of our accomplishments include:
- Replaced all outdoor lighting with LEDs and went from 1000W per fixture down to 332W per fixture
- Began a retro-commissioning program to fine-tune utility systems for energy efficiency and emissions reduction
- Implemented building automation system upgrades and new control system strategies for better temperature and humidity control
- Updated lighting schedules to reduce energy use during off hours
- Replaced the roof and increased insulation by 50%
- Reduced compressed air equipment load from 100A to 20A making the operation of our T. rex and Ball Machine more efficient
- Reduced the number of printers by 70% and installed software to encourage team members to print less
- Implemented an industrial composting contract to process kitchen food waste
- Began diverting food waste and recycling from the landfills at large events like First Friday through our trained Trash Talkers.
- Reduced water use at the Water Works exhibit by creating fill and flow limits
- Held team member sustainability lunch ‘n’ learns with our colleagues
- Regularly communicated with Science Center team members via all-team meetings and internal communications
- Featured gallery content on climate change
- Held climate change interpretation training for gallery team members
- Installed signage in guest and team member restrooms to encourage using a single paper towel after handwashing
- Switch to use of 100% recycled paper by June 1
- Reduce energy consumption by 10% by the end of 2025 via:
- Air handler system upgrades
- Installation of CO2 sensors
- Switching to Direct Digital Controls building automation system
- Complete installation of LED lighting in colleague offices and throughout the facility by the end of 2026
- Develop an institutional waste reduction policy
- Conduct trash audits and track the amount of food waste and compostable products diverted from the landfill
Everyday Sustainability
- Our rain gardens capture storm runoff from the GROW Pavilion.
- Reusable bottle filling stations can be found throughout the Science Center facilities.
- The toilet paper and paper towels at the Science Center are made from 100% recycled fibers. Sustainability you can feel.
- Our copy paper always has recycled content.
- We participate in the Midwest Climate Collaborative, Missouri Gateway Green Building Council, and Saint Louis Green Business Challenge.
Colleague Clean-Up Day
Bush Honeysuckle, scientifically known as Lonicera maackii, or Amur honeysuckle, presents a significant threat as one of the most destructive invasive species in the St. Louis region. In a concerted effort to restore the health, vitality, and biodiversity of our local environment, the Sustainable Futures Team organizes Clean-Up Days for staff.
Together, we focus on clearing our community and the surrounding Science Center areas of this invasive plant, thereby nurturing the growth and diversity of our native plants and broader ecosystem.
Reduced Waste Events
To achieve our sustainability goals, the Science Center is hosting more waste-reducing events, aiming for zero-waste events. Since 2023, we have worked to divert food waste, serving dishes and utensils, and more from the landfill.
Sustainability STEM’s from our Museum
Learn about Energy Efficiency
Learn about alternate methods of electrical generation and energy conservation.
See how wind, coal and solar power are converted to electricity, and try interactive stations that explain the energy efficiency of new and old appliances.
The Experience Energy gallery also teaches the pros and cons of electric vehicles, biofuels and combustion engines.
Self-Sustaining Greenhouse
Our self-sustaining aquaponic greenhouse in our GROW gallery allows us to rethink agricultural growth. Many urban areas are demonstrating ways to grow specialty food crops like lettuce, kale and tomatoes indoors using aquaponic, hydroponic, and aeroponic systems. You can see examples of these systems in our greenhouse thanks to a grant from the USDA’s Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program!
Water Works
Our Water Works exhibit in GROW invites our guests to “engineer” or move water to our plant crops and farm animals. Using manipulatives like levers and pumps, our guests will move water through farm systems. Guests then explore ways to “engineer” natural systems to clean up waste products (animal manure and extra fertilizers) left in the water. Guests will plant trees and channel water through plants, bushes and other trees to clean it.
