Aquarium of the Pacific Opens First Carbon Neutral Aquarium Building

By Nam Ly

Long Beach, CA - From cities looking to recycle waste water to restrictions on garden watering, water issues are becoming more pressing as California faces an impeding water crisis. On Saturday, November 15, the Aquarium of the Pacific will open Our Watersheds: Pathway to the Pacific, a new addition that will provide its visitors with sustainable solutions and the knowledge to make a difference at any age. The new area represents the largest expansion for the Aquarium since 2002 and features a watershed environmental exhibition, a “green” classroom, and a native garden.

“With California facing drought issues, it is even more crucial for residents to learn about their watersheds and how their actions impact these systems and our water supply,” said Barbara Long, Aquarium of the Pacific, VP of special projects.

With the new addition, the Aquarium of the Pacific becomes the first aquarium in the nation to open a carbon-neutral building. The Aquarium is also expecting that its building will be the first in Long Beach to receive the highest “green” certification from Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). “The new watershed area will serve as an example of alternative energy use, sustainable design, and water conservation and reuse,” said Long. The Aquarium’s new development uses solar panels, is designed with eco-friendly materials and water-saving native plants, and relies on its gray water to irrigate its “green” roof, which results in myriad environmental benefits such as reducing storm water runoff.

The carbon-neutral classroom will be used for watershed education programs for children as well as adults. “We’ll be able to provide valuable learning lessons for any age, whether its how trash in our streets can flow into our rivers, wetlands, and ocean or how gardening with native plants can save water at home,” said David Bader, Aquarium of the Pacific school programs manager.

Adjacent to the classroom, a shaded outdoor area features five exhibits on our watersheds, including a model of the Los Angeles and San Gabriel watersheds with various interactive features. Hands-on exhibits demonstrate the practical and environmentally friendly ways in which we can live more sustainably with nature and its resources. The exhibits define a watershed, illustrate the watersheds of San Pedro Bay region, and explore concepts of water supply and use. In addition to providing tips on water conservation for the home, the exhibition also explores alternative solutions beyond conservation. Surrounding the classroom and outdoor exhibits, native landscaping represents the flora found in the Los Angeles and San Gabriel Watersheds and illustrates how native gardens can significantly reduce water use.

“The primary goal of the project is to motivate visitors to improve the quality of life for people and the environment by making sustainable choices for the future of our local watersheds. We also hope to inspire others to explore green building options,” said Jerry Schubel, Aquarium of the Pacific president & CEO.

Our Watersheds: Pathway to the Pacific tells the story of the changing relationships of people within the San Pedro Bay drainage basin and their environment—terrestrial, riverine, and coastal ocean. The new watershed exhibition, classroom, and native garden are made possible through funding provided by: principal funding provided by San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers & Mountains Conservancy. Major funding provided by An Anonymous Foundation. Additional funding provided by: American Chemistry Council Plastics Division; California Coastal Conservancy; Institute of Museum and Library Sciences; Long Beach Water Department; Supervisor Don Knabe, County of Los Angeles, 4th District; the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California; and the Water Replenishment District of Southern California.

Watershed Project Team: EHDD Architecture, classroom architect; TG Construction, general contractor; Nuvis, landscape designers; Main Street Design, exhibit design; Pacific Studios, exhibit fabricator; Environmental Concept, landscapers; Rees Studio, architect for construction administration; Soltierra, LLC., green building consultant; City of Long Beach, various departments; and Aquarium of the Pacific staff.

The Aquarium of the Pacific, a nonprofit institution, is dedicated to instilling a sense of wonder, respect, and stewardship for the Pacific Ocean, its inhabitants, and ecosystems. The Aquarium was recently recognized as the first museum and aquarium in the nation to become a Climate Action Leader TM. Celebrating our planet’s largest and most diverse body of water, the Aquarium is home to more than 12,500 animals and offers a variety of engaging classes, lectures, festivals, and other opportunity to explore the Pacific. Located at 100 Aquarium Way in Long Beach, California, the Aquarium of the Pacific is open daily from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. (except Dec. 25 and during the Grand Prix of Long Beach). For more information, the public may visit www.aquariumofpacific.org or call 562-590-3100. A world of discovery awaits people of all ages, backgrounds, and interests.