Emissions
GOAL: Achieve net-zero Scopes 1 & 2 emissions by 2035
Goal update
Baseline (2017): 2,274 MtCO2e
Current (2024): 594 MtCO2e
Goal (2035): 227 MtCO2e (90% reduction)
594 MtCO2e emissions are equal to 139 gasoline-powered passenger vehicles driven for one year, 80 homes’ energy use for one year, or 1,375 barrels of oil consumed.
All measurements in metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent
Sources of Scopes 1 & 2 GHG emissions
Where do Monterey Bay Aquarium’s emissions come from?
The primary source for the Aquarium’s Scopes 1 & 2 emissions is natural gas usage (77%). Emissions from refrigerants and fleet fuel follow at 16% and 7%, respectively.
The reason why emissions from electricity are not represented in the Aquarium’s total emissions is because Monterey Bay Aquarium purchases Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) through our utility to procure 100% clean energy. Without REC purchases, electricity usage would account for 68% of the Aquarium’s total GHG emissions.
Monterey Bay Aquarium collaborates with an outside partner to conduct an annual greenhouse gas inventory.
Sources of GHG emissions (ALL Scopes)
Why are Scope 3 emissions excluded from Monterey Bay Aquarium’s net-zero emissions goal?
Scope 3 emissions are excluded from the net-zero goal due to their complexity and difficulty to manage and reduce. Unlike Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions, which directly result from an organization’s own operations and purchased energy, Scope 3 emissions occur across the entire value chain, including activities such as purchased goods and services, employee commute, business travel, and waste. Reducing these emissions can be challenging given the lack of direct control.
While the Aquarium is committed to efforts to reduce emissions from Scope 3 categories, we have chosen to exclude them from the net-zero goal.
The primary sources for Monterey Bay Aquarium’s overall GHG emissions are natural gas (35%), business travel (23%), and upstream fuel (16%).
Priority strategies
Convene an Emissions Working Group
The group is responsible for assessing the environmental impact of new projects and ongoing operations that contribute to organizational emissions.
Expand the Aquarium’s share of renewable energy
Explore opportunities to install an on-site solar array by working with local developers and evaluating the feasibility of different buildings.
Retrofit natural gas infrastructure to use no fossil fuels
Replace gas-powered chillers and boilers with electric models and install a heat pump system with heat exchangers to eliminate the current use of individual heaters.
Convert vehicle fleet to be all electric
Aim to replace 3 vehicles every year with electric models, and install EV infrastructure to support the electrifying fleet.
Upgrade building energy efficiency
Find opportunities to continually upgrade building energy efficiency by improving lighting controls and building management systems in outbuildings, improving mechanical efficiencies by installing VFDs on all equipment, sealing the building envelope so minimal conditioned air is lost, and more.
Support employees in actively commuting to work (i.e. taking public transit, walking, or biking)
Continually assess and act upon opportunities to improve our employee commute programs. Some recent efforts include offering an incentive for employees to purchase e-bikes and offering free parking and charging for EVs.
Support active commuting for visitors
Continue funding the City of Monterey’s MST Trolley, which provides visitors a free, eco-friendly way to travel around town and to the Aquarium.
Maintain carbon neutrality
Continue to balance out the carbon we produce by supporting projects that help the environment. Current projects we are supporting include the Dhaka Methane Leak Repair Project in Bangladesh and the Acre Amazon REDD+ Portfolio in Brazil.
