The Seattle Aquarium won a sustainability honor from the national Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
The Aquarium was recognized for its significant achievements in the AZA’s Green Award category. The Green Award highlights zoos and aquariums that have reduced their environmental impact, “thus putting our conservation mission into action.”
The AZA announced the winners on September 30 at its Annual Conference in Portland, Oregon.
Guided by its regenerative plan, the Seattle Aquarium publicly tracks its progress on a set of 2030 goals for energy, water, waste reduction and engagement. Its 2025 accomplishments included:
- Renovating its Pier 59 cafe kitchen to all-electric cooking equipment.
- Shifting to 100% clean electric power for all its warm-water habitats.
- Diverting 84% of waste from landfill.
The Aquarium’s Ocean Pavilion, which opened in 2024, runs 100% fossil fuel-free, recirculates 96% of seawater in its habitats, and recaptures heat from the warm water habitats to warm the building. The building is LEED Gold-certified, and the Aquarium is also targeting Zero Carbon Certification, a rigorous global standard for buildings that have fully neutralized their carbon emissions.
“With innovation, creativity and teamwork, even an organization as complex as an aquarium can model next-generation sustainability,” said Travis Snyder, the Aquarium’s regenerative program manager. “This isn’t the work of a single person or team—it’s a collective effort by every department here, and it’s embedded into our culture.”
Learn more about the Aquarium’s sustainability progress.
