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 total energy consumption by 2.5% since 2022, including a 2% reduction in electric use and an 11% reduction in natural gas use.
- 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.
- Instituted internal policies to reduce landfill waste using composting and recycling.
- Diverted more than 7,000 pounds of compostable waste and service-ware through these policies.
- Reduced water use at the Water Works exhibit by creating fill and flow limits.
- Provide weekly sustainable living tips for our team members.
- Routinely share sustainable living tips through social media and other public education outlets.
- Featured gallery content on climate change.
- Hosting annual EV Experience events to educate guests and the community on electric vehicle options, including the opportunities for test drives of various models.
- Conduct yearly staff clean-up events to improve the Science Center campus inside and out.
- Hosting annual staff cook-offs to promote the use of sustainable food items.
- Reduce energy consumption by 10% by the end of 2026 via:
- Air handler system upgrades.
- Installation of CO2 sensors.
- Continue conversion to Direct Digital Controls building automation system.
- Complete installation of LED lighting in colleague offices and throughout the facility by the end of 2026.
- Introduced an institutional waste reduction policy.
- Continue efforts to enhance the campus and promote sustainability among guests, staff and the community.
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.
- Our letter-sized copy paper always has 100% recycled content.
- We participate in the Midwest Climate Collaborative, Missouri Gateway Green Building Council, and Saint Louis Green Business Challenge.
Implementing Green Guidelines
The Saint Louis Science Center has adopted Green Guidelines for use at events like SciFest, Science Center Up Late, internal meetings and trainings, and more. These guidelines provide a framework and outline for best practices in waste reduction. We understand that these practices of recycling and composting can be confusing to many, so please ask our team members during your next visit how you can further our efforts.
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.
