Leading with Purpose: A Greener Ocean Exploration Center
Discover how the Ocean Exploration Center is designed to protect and preserve the environment through thoughtful choices and sustainable design.
Building with Nature in Mind
Eco-Conscious Materials for a Sustainable Future
From the ground up, we’ve made intentional choices to minimize our environmental footprint. Our floors feature Marmoleum, a natural, durable flooring made from renewable materials like linseed oil and jute. It's not only eco-friendly but also contributes to better indoor air quality.
Clean Energy from Above
Solar Powering Our Mission
The Center’s rooftop is lined with high-efficiency solar panels, generating clean, renewable electricity to power our operations. The solar array has an estimated annual production of 30,386 kWh. This significantly reduces our reliance on fossil fuels and lowers our carbon emissions.
Native Landscaping, Naturally Beautiful
Restoring the Local Ecosystem
Our landscaping is designed to thrive in the local climate with minimal water and maintenance. We’ve planted native species and removed invasive plants to support biodiversity and improve habitat for pollinators and wildlife.
Smarter Resource Use—Recycling & Water Conservation
Closing the Loop, Conserving Every Drop
At the Ocean Exploration Center and across the REEF Campus, we’ve adopted strategies that reduce waste and conserve one of our most precious resources: water.
Recycling Infrastructure: Thoughtfully placed recycling bins throughout the campus make it easy for staff and visitors to sort and recycle responsibly. Educational signage helps ensure materials are disposed of properly.
Water-Saving Fixtures: Inside our facilities, we’ve installed low-flow toilets and faucets to significantly reduce water use without compromising functionality.
Smart Landscaping: Our native plantings naturally require less irrigation. The landscaping is designed with built-in natural filtration, helping absorb and break down nutrients before they reach coastal waters.
Supporting Green Transportation
Drive Electric. Charge Here.
We’ve installed electric vehicle charging stations to encourage low-emission transportation. Visitors and staff can conveniently charge their electric vehicles, helping us all contribute to cleaner air and a healthier planet.
Natural Solutions to Everyday Challenges
Eco-Friendly Pest Control with Mosquitofish
Our on-site pond is home to Gambusia holbrooki, commonly known as mosquitofish. These tiny helpers eat mosquito larvae, providing a chemical-free method of pest control and supporting the pond’s natural balance.
Protecting the Night Sky
Lighting That Respects the Night
Our outdoor lighting is fully Night Sky compliant, designed to minimize light pollution. This helps preserve the natural rhythms of local wildlife and maintains the beauty of our starlit skies.
A Commitment to Sustainability
Building a Better Future Together
The Ocean Exploration Center is more than a place for learning, it’s a living example of sustainability in action. We believe environmental responsibility starts with us, and we’re proud to share our journey toward a greener tomorrow.
Plan your visit today and come see for yourself!