Sustainability

Sustainability is one of the core institutional values of the Seattle Aquarium.

Rocks extending out into the water along a calm shoreline looking towards a land mass on the horizon.

Becoming A Regenerative Aquarium

Our vision is to produce more environmental benefits than harm to help ensure a climate-resilient, sustainable future for all—in other words, to become a regenerative aquarium. To achieve this vision, we’ve crafted a regenerative plan. The plan outlines our vision, specific goals and the strategies we are employing to achieve them. We will achieve our vision by:

  • Leading and influencing systemic change;
  • Tending to a culture of sustainability; 
  • Cultivating facilities conducive to life;
  • Fostering community connections; and 
  • Creating regenerative opportunities.
The Climate Pledge

Working Collectively To Reduce Carbon Emissions

In September 2022, we became the first nonprofit to sign The Climate Pledge. In doing so, we joined more than 360 organizations and businesses around the world that have publicly committed to reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2040, a decade ahead of the Paris Agreement’s goal of 2050. Our goals go well beyond the pledge, driven by our vision to become a regenerative aquarium. Collective action across all sectors is essential to fighting climate change, and we hope to be the first of many nonprofit signatories.

Photo of bull kelp underwater on the cover of the Seattle Aquarium regenerative plan summary document

Ensuring A Better Future For The Salish Sea

Over the past two decades, the Seattle Aquarium has taken action to create a positive impact on our planet and be a regional leader in sustainable practices. We completed a regenerative plan in 2021 that institutionalizes and builds on the significant efforts made to date. The Seattle Aquarium’s regenerative plan is outlined in this executive summary document.

Screenshot of the Seattle Aquarium's Regenerative Plan dashboard showing the progress made towards different goals.

Our Regenerative Plan Dashboard

We are committed to putting this plan into action and achieving our goals by 2030. We chose the year 2030 so that our goals are ambitious and make scientifically meaningful contributions to halting the worst impacts of climate change, pollution and resource extraction to ensure a resilient future for all. This dashboard details the goals in the plan that are stepping stones on the way to becoming a fully regenerative institution, and tracks progress toward those goals.