Greening Program

The Greening Our Science Centers initiative is a solutions-based program designed to track, quantify and improve energy use, and reduce emissions output.  The program allows participating institutions to operate more efficiently, "walk their talk" and gain a unique educational opportunity to share their efforts with constituents.

 

Step 2: Research and Preparation

Some basic data gathering can help you establish a starting point and identify specific needs. The Greening Our Science Centers initiative offers several ways to do so.

  1. Phone interview:
    In an interview with the Greening Our Science Centers Initiative staff, an administrator and the point person from your Green Team will describe past efforts (utility audits, recent facility improvements, etc.) as well as current and future goals or needs. This will likely require gathering information from your colleagues in advance of the phone call.
  2. Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventory:
    A GHG inventory connects your energy consumption to the bigger picture of global warming. This calculation allows your Green Team to make informed decisions in terms of identifying needs and prioritizing projects, while providing a mechanism to track progress in reducing energy use and GHG pollution. The inventory involves feeding data from utility and fuel bills into a specialized calculator offered by the  Greening Our Science Centers Initiative.
  3. Scheduling a Site Visit:
    After the phone interview and completion of the baseline greenhouse gas inventory, you can work with the Greening Our Science Centers Initiative staff  to schedule a day-long site visit. The visit will provide your science center with the benefit of outside expertise and peer support. The visiting team will be comprised of individuals who will comment on the needs identified in your phone survey

Tools and Resources

** Phone survey template
** Simple GHG inventory calculator
** Memorandum of Understanding for participating in Greening Our Science Centers

 

Having completed these basic internal preparation, you will be ready to benefit from outside input and support.

  • Step 1: Establish Commitment
  • Step 2: Research and Preparation
  • Step 3: Site Visit
  • Step 4: Adopt a Plan
  • Step 5: Implement Your Plan
  • Step 6: Institutionalizing "Green"

Greening home

Greening case studies