Survey on Sustainability at Science Centers (mostly U.S.)

To form a base of comparison for observations about European Museums, I decided on a simple survey. I was fortunate in that Bonnie VanDorn, executive director of the Association of Science-Technology Centers, granted me some time at the April planning retreat in Chicago to describe my planned study and poll the 24 individuals present about what they were doing at their own home museums related to sustainability. This rather small and non-representative sample of 24 represents about 5% of the ASTC membership and is made up primarily of large museums having the resources to send their director to ASTC’s annual planning retreat.

Interestingly, a common verbal response from other directors polled was simply that they wished their own museum would give them a sabbatical leave as mine had. Coming from the academic world, sabbaticals are fairly normal; however, in the museum world, they are unfortunately rare and I know of only a handful of other museums whose directors have been granted a sabbatical.

My survey was informal and intentionally included mostly U.S. science centers (with a few others from around the world). The results indicated that most museums already had one or more exhibits and programs that treat the environment:

· 40% had static exhibits on the environment
· 88% had interactive exhibits
· 100% had educational programs

Regarding the types of environmental information presented to their audiences:

· 76% provide information on the environment
· 80% promote awareness of environmental issues
· 40% take an advocacy role

In addition, 58% indicated that they employ one or more green practices in operating their museum.