OUR JOURNEY TO NET-ZERO
Science North is committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050 and is proudly the first science centre in Canada registered in the Government of Canada’s Net-Zero Challenge.
Science North's Environmental Sustainability Plan outlines our pillars and commitments to environmental sustainability.
Here are our actions that contribute to a healthy planet for future generations and will help us to achieve net-zero green house gas emissions:
TAKING CARE OF COMMUNITY
Science North’s outdoor grounds and greenspaces support biodiversity and work as carbon sinks.
- BIODIVERSITY AND HABITATS
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The Northern Forest on the grounds of Science North is a two-decade long effort to re-naturalize our outdoors and showcase the diversity of plants and habitats found in this region of Ontario. The food garden outside supports biodiversity, works as a carbon sink and provides fresh, local produce for our Animal Ambassadors.
- HEALTHY GROUNDS AND SHORELINE
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Science North’s waterfront on Ramsey Lake consists of a wide variety of native aquatic plants, terrestrial plants, and snags that all help support a healthy shoreline habitat and a healthy lake that welcomes diverse native animal species.
Science North’s outdoor grounds and greenspaces are maintained using a pesticide and herbicide-free pest control system.
- NATURE BASED SOLUTIONS
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In the Spring of 2023, Science North launched its first edible forest garden in partnership with Sudbury Shared Harvest. This community garden promotes the importance of planting native species and offers the potential to increase community food security.
INSPIRING CHANGEMAKERS
Science North’s commitment to environmental sustainability starts in our culture.
- GREEN TEAM
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Science North’s commitment to environmental sustainability starts in our culture. Our first Green Team was established over 20 years ago and has spearheaded many green initiatives. The Green Team consists of staff across the organization that work together to implement projects to take towards net-zero action, grow knowledge and promote environmental sustainability to all staff and visitors.
- THE CLIMATE ACTION SHOW
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Through the Climate Action Show, an onsite object theatre, Science North engages audiences with an immersive experience that features up-to-date climate change research and inspirational stories. Outside the object theatre, the Change Agent Network provides visitors with curated, regionally relevant content related to climate actions that they have shown an interest in.
- GENACTION
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Through the GenAction initiative Science North’s Summer Science Camps are in 30+ Northern Ontario communities with STEM camps focused on inspiring youth to climate action.
- YOUTH CLIMATE ACTION SUMMITS
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The Northern Ontario Youth Climate Action Summits engage youth with current climate science and Indigenous traditional knowledge to empower youth to take climate action in their communities. The summits take place in Sudbury, North Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, Thunder Bay, and Kenora and have impacted hundreds of students across the region.
CHOOSING SUSTAINABILITY AND REDUCING WASTE
Science North has prioritized more sustainable material selection and works to lower our environmental impact.
- SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS
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To transition the science centres’ exhibitions to net-zero emissions by 2050, Science North has prioritized more sustainable material selections, reduced travel and deliveries and is ensuring that exhibition components have continued life after they are decommissioned.
- WATER BOTTLE REFILL STATIONS
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Science North has installed on site water bottle refill stations and has discontinued the sale of plastic water bottles, preventing thousands of water bottles annually from ending up as waste.
- SUPPORT LOCAL
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Science North retail stores, Whizards and the Big Nickel Boutique, equitably source local suppliers and feature products made from low impact materials.
- WASTE REDUCTION
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By using three-stream waste bins, Science North has diverted a third of the waste produced from the landfill. Additionally, take-away containers and serving ware at Science North’s food services are 100% compostable.
REDUCING OUR EMISSIONS
Science North is committed to developing and implementing effective strategies to transition our operations to net-zero emissions by 2050.
- NET-ZERO CHALLENGE
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Science North is the first science centre in Canada to commit to Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Net-Zero Challenge. This initiative encourages businesses across Canada to develop and implement effectives plans to transition their facilities and operations to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, which we’re already on the path to doing.
- RENEWABLE ENERGY
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Science North produces renewable energy using the solar photovoltaic arrays (solar panels) at both Science North and Dynamic Earth. The solar power generated accounts for 10% of energy consumption at Science North and 25% consumption at Dynamic Earth.
- FACILITY EFFICIENCY
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Science North replaced Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems in 2021 with new, high-efficiency fans and air conditioner units. The upgrade has reduced annual energy use by 10%.
- SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION
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Science North has installed two free-to-use level 2 electric vehicle charging (EV) stations in the parking lot and provides an enhanced Bike Barn. These initiatives encourage staff, visitors, and the public to drive low-carbon vehicles and consider active modes of transportation.
- OUR COMMUNITY SUPPORTING NET-ZERO
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Science North has partnered with local environmental groups and Indigenous communities to preserve and enhance our commitment to environmental initiatives.
Our work towards achieving net-zero by 2050 is supported with our membership to reThink Green’s Green Economy North, through Green Economy Canada, a national non-profit accelerating Canada’s transition to a vibrant and inclusive net-zero future. This membership supports businesses, not-for-profits, and the broader public sector to reduce carbon emissions each year.
