Two people sit on deadwood tree branch on beach in front of Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel.

As part of our mission to inspire a more sustainable future, we have set out to achieve several goals to become a more carbon neutral facility, which we hope to accomplish by 2035.

Becoming carbon neutral means balancing the release and removal of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Ultimately, the goal is to reduce emissions to a net zero carbon footprint, where any remaining emissions are offset through carbon removal efforts. The United Nations defines "net zero " as the effort to cut carbon emissions produced by human activity to a level that is more easily absorbed by nature and other means of reducing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. These efforts are critical in the fight against climate change.

Our Net Zero Initiatives

We are pursuing the following goals to become a more carbon neutral facility.

Goal: Increase Mechanical Efficiencies by 25% - Complete!

Electricity is the largest resource consumed at the Aquarium. We have successfully reduced our electricity consumption by 25%.

Goal: Retrofit Natural Gas Infrastructure

Natural gas, though touted as cleaner than petroleum and coal, is nonetheless a nonrenewable fossil fuel that contributes to climate change as a greenhouse gas.

Goal: Promote Business with Net Zero Vendors

We aim to utilize our business partnerships as a channel to increase awareness of net zero initiatives beyond our campus.

Goal: Explore Alternate Energy Production

To reduce our consumption from the municipal grid, we will evaluate the installation of clean energy infrastructure to generate our own power.

Community Efforts

See what we do year-round to reduce waste and promote a more sustainable future beyond our campus!

Plastic bag in osprey nest.

Plastics Recycling

We recycle plastic waste through our partnership with NexTrex, who turns used plastic into benches on our campus.

Volunteers at beach cleanup.

Community Cleanups

We host monthly Creek Cleanups around our campus, and participate in local beach cleanups to remove debris from our waterways!

Volunteers carry television at E Cycling

Electronics Recycling

In partnership with Goodwill, we host electronics recycling events for our community to responsibly dispose of old electronics and other household waste items.

Workers Recycling Christmas Trees

Christmas Tree Recycling

We work with Marine Stewards America to collect bare, live-cut Christmas trees after the holidays and use them to restore sand dunes on the beaches!

Get Involved

Want to support a more sustainable future? Check out our volunteer opportunities to see how you can contribute to our mission!