AQUARIUM OF THE PACIFIC HONORED AS FOUNDING MEMBER OF THE CLIMATE REGISTRY

Long Beach, CA

On May 17, 2017, the Aquarium was honored by The Climate Registry (TCR) with a Special Recognition Award as one of its founding members and a participant in Southern California Edison’s Cool Planet Project, which is operated in partnership with TCR. TCR recognized six organizations as founding members at a luncheon to commemorate the Registry’s tenth anniversary. The organizations are: Aquarium of the Pacific, Bentley Mills Inc., Dean Foods Company, City of Long Beach, West Basin Municipal Water District, and Gills Onions LLC. Today, more than 300 organizations measure and report their carbon emissions with The Climate Registry.

“The Aquarium is proud to have been a founding member of The Climate Registry and participated in the Cool Planet Project. Our institution offers opportunities to experience the wonders of the ocean and its wildlife. We are also dedicated to reducing the facility’s environmental impact to serve as a model for other businesses and help the public learn about this important issue,” said Jerry Schubel, president and CEO, Aquarium of the Pacific. “Over the years our facility has grown and annual attendance has increased, but we have kept energy usage at a constant level, reduced water usage by a third, and cut our emission of heat-trapping greenhouse gases by 25 percent.”

The Aquarium of the Pacific became the first among U.S. aquariums, zoos, and museums to register all its greenhouse gas emissions with The Climate Registry and be named as a Climate Action Leader™. The Aquarium was awarded a 2015 Cool Planet Award in the education sector from The Climate Registry and Southern California Edison for its efforts in energy and carbon management.

Eligible business customers of Southern California Edison are provided with membership into The Climate Registry, along with training and education in the field of energy efficiency. Organizations also receive tools to calculate, verify, and publicly report their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and reductions as a reward for installing efficiency projects or participating in Demand Response programs.

“On our tenth anniversary, we’re delighted to celebrate the organizations that have played such an important part in our history,” said David Rosenheim, executive director of TCR. “We congratulate these members for demonstrating how a smaller GHG and energy footprint supports long-term prosperity.”

The nonprofit Aquarium of the Pacific is a community gathering place where diverse cultures and the arts are celebrated and where important challenges facing our planet are explored by scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders in search of sustainable solutions. Programs for adults include Aquatic Academy evening courses on current ocean issues, the ongoing Guest Speaker Series, and visual and performing arts events. The Aquarium is dedicated to conserving and building nature and nature’s services by building the interactions between and among peoples. Home to more than 11,000 animals, Aquarium exhibits include the June Keyes Penguin Habitat, Ocean Science Center, Molina Animal Care Center, and the interactive Shark Lagoon and Lorikeet Forest exhibits. The Aquarium has won a 2015 Travelers’ Choice Award for Aquariums, as awarded by TripAdvisor® travelers, and the 2016 TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence. The Aquarium offers memberships with unlimited FREE admission for 12 months, VIP Entrance, and other special benefits. Charity Navigator awarded the Aquarium a 4-star charity rating in 2016.