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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 6: Institutionalizing"Green"

Now that you've taken initial steps toward greening your science center, it's time to look at how to sustain and to leverage this work. Here is where you will focus on the more external aspects of your plan, and it's also where you make sure you have the right combination of flexibility and accountability to refine your plan as needed. Some items to consider:

  • Institutional Engagement
    - How will we involve staff and shape behavior?  Perhaps eco-teams, employee incentives, Meet the Scientists or other professional development programs.
    - How will we make this self-sustaining and a part of "business as usual"?
    - How will we make this a part of our educational mission?
  • Public Outreach
    - How will we communicate this work to guests, supporters and our community? Use the Climate Change Backpack, develop exhibits and competitions, create a Green tour of the facility.  Write newsletter articles, send out press releases, offer school tours and host a lecture series using the Northeast Science Center Collaborative's Speakers Bureau.

Tools and Resources

** Sample newsletter article

 

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


Greening home

Greening case studies