Shows
The Vancouver Aquarium was registered to ISO 14001, an international standard for environmental management (EMS) systems, on March 4, 2009. This has provided us with a framework to actively reduce our negative environmental impacts. We are the first aquarium in the world to achieve ISO 14001 certification. Learn more about our policies and reports:
Energy Policy
Environmental Purchasing Policy
2010 EMS Report
Have a question? Contact our EMS coordinator at ems@vanaqua.org.
Aquarium staff and volunteers are key components to the success of our EMS. We hold "green team challenges" and quarterly events that promote a green workplace. In the past, we've challenged our team to bring a waste-free lunch, to be green commuters, to conserve paper; and save energy over the holidays.
Our Environmental Purchasing policy, adopted in 2006, helps us ensure that we consider environmental costs for every purchase made on the Aquarium's behalf. Our staff also actively contributes by purchasing 100 percent post-consumer recycled paper and 95 percent Green Seal approved cleaning products. We also use fully biodegradable plates, cups and bowls, in addition to regularly participating in Sustainability Purchasing Network events.
We recycle heavily throughout our facility and offices. Paper, cardboard and containers are picked up regularly, as is our electronic waste including phones and computers. During the construction of our Aquaquest building, we achieved 90 percent recycling of the demolition waste. All leaf litter and meal leftovers are sent to an industrial compost facility to become nutrient-rich soil, some of which we buy back for our gardens and landscaping.
For better chemical management, we maintain an electronic database linked to a Material Safety Data Sheet. We also use 95 percent Green Seal approved cleaning products, and only used LEED certified glues, caulking, solvents and paints during construction of Aquaquest. Local experts also facilitate our routine chemical disposals to ensure we proceed in the most eco-friendly way.
We're highly focused on water conservation in all of our activities. We've incorporated water saving technologies into Aquaquest, such as low flow fixtures and rainwater flushing toilets. To let to our staff and guests know which storm drains lead directly to the ocean, we mark our drains in and around our building with yellow fish.
Since 2005, Aquarium vehicles employ vehicle logs to help us choose efficient vehicles. We also offer our employees the TransLink Employer Pass Program and hold Monthly Green Commuter Draws, offering a 2-zone bus pass courtesy of TransLink. Additionally, we feel it's important that both our drivers and those who do business with us abide by Vancouver's Anti-Idling Bylaw.
How was your visit? Fill in our comment card and let us know.
Find it here
Our special new beluga show, on now until February 29.
Read more
97 percent of all animals on Earth are invertebrates.
Read more
