The Balboa Park Sustainability Program (BPSP) has supported member organization’s sustainability efforts over the past ten years. We are proud of the accomplishments park-wide and appreciate PIC Green, a program of the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), efforts to recognize innovative projects through the Sustainability Excellence Awards (SEA). PIC Green conceived the Sustainability Excellence Award in order to advance the mission of establishing museums as leaders in environmental stewardship. Since 2014, the award has recognized and encouraged large and small institutions to incorporate green practices and infrastructure in museum facilities and site operations, programming, exhibitions and more.

The past two years our program and the San Diego Natural History Museum have been recipients of the Sustainability Excellence Award. We are honored and proud to be recognized for our sustainability efforts in our aspiration to become the most sustainable park. Balboa Park is a unique and dynamic setting for multiple arts, science and cultural organizations, while also providing visitors a verdant escape from city life. It is our goal to provide residents and visitors from around the world an everlasting rich cultural scene and healthy environment.

The San Diego Natural History Museum’s 2016 entry of their permanent exhibit, Coast to Cactus in Southern California received the SEA for Exhibitions. Their exhibit exemplifies the importance of our region as a biodiversity hotspot, which is unique to most parts of the world. Much of the exhibit was also constructed using sustainable materials from local vendors minimizing their environmental footprint. The San Diego Natural History Museum also received an honorable mention for the implementation of green practices in PROBEA Smart Schools in the Baja California Peninsula.

The following year, BPSP entered for our pop-up Sustainability Studio exhibit. The Sustainability Studio highlighted sustainability projects and operations in historic Balboa Park buildings, displayed information on our 10 LEED certified buildings and provided interactive educational material. The studio also incorporated many environmentally conscious materials and sustainable artwork from local artists in Spanish Village. The 2017 SEA for Exhibitions was presented at the annual AAM Annual Meeting and MuseumExpo.

We encourage our members and other museums to apply for this great award and receive the recognition they deserve for their efforts. We hope to continue a winning streak in Balboa Park!

Apply soon as 2018 Sustainability Excellence Award submissions are due February 9, 2018. Visit the AAM website for more information.