This site uses cookies. View our Cookie Policy to learn more about how and why.

Regular hours: 9:30 am – 6 pm
Last entry at 5 pm

Sustainability Commitment

A white wave shape.

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

Next-Generation, Sustainable Design At The Ocean Pavilion

Our sustainability commitment is reflected throughout the Ocean Pavilion.

  • The building will be LEED Gold certified. We’re also targeting Zero Carbon Certification, a rigorous standard for buildings that are highly energy efficient and have fully neutralized their carbon emissions.
  • It will operate 100% fossil fuel-free, recirculating 96% of the salt water in its habitats—saving water and energy—with no water directly returned to Puget Sound.
  • Heating and cooling systems will use 91% less energy than traditional systems, and plentiful windows will reduce the need for artificial lighting.
  • Learn about the rigorous green building certifications we’re pursuing and find details about the building’s sustainability features in our web story.
The Climate Pledge logo.

WORKING COLLECTIVELY TO REDUCE CARBON EMISSIONS

Since 2014, we’ve offset more carbon than we emit for scope 1 and 2 emissions. In 2020, we took that further by also offsetting more than we emit for select scope 3 emissions. We’ve also collaborated with Evergreen Carbon to identify and invest in carbon offsets that give back to people, communities and the environment.

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.

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 the executive summary document below.

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.

The front cover of the Seattle Aquarium's Regenerative Plan document. It features the Seattle Aquarium logo and the title "Ensuring a better future for the Salish Sea: Our regenerative plan."

Your gift helps advance our commitment to sustainability

[custom_side_nav]
Now open!

Ocean Pavilion

Get your tickets today to experience our new Ocean Pavilion expansion!

Website maintenance

Please note: Our ticketing and membership systems will be offline for approximately two hours starting at 10pm Pacific on Wednesday, July 10. During the maintenance window, online ticketing and membership will not be available.

Thank you for understanding.

Support the Seattle Aquarium

Two sea otters at the Seattle Aquarium floating on the water in their habitat, holding onto each other demonstrating a rafting behavior.

With your help, the Seattle Aquarium builds connections with our community to inspire conservation and curiosity for marine life. When you make an end-of-year gift by December 31, you'll be joining us in protecting our shared marine environment—now and for generations to come. Thank you!

An adult sea otter at the Seattle Aquarium looking upwards with its front paws resting on its front.

Giving Tuesday

Make a tax-deductible donation to the non-profit Seattle Aquarium

Your donation will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $10,000 thanks to a very generous anonymous donor!

Sea otter at the Seattle Aquarium laying on its back, raising its head and front paws.

Cyber weekend

Get 15% OFF all memberships!