Environmental policy

At Questacon, we believe that knowledge and understanding of science, innovation and technology is critical to a sustainable future.

Each year, we communicate directly and indirectly with millions of people through our hands-on experiences, national programs, networks, partnerships and website. By inspiring people to take an interest in science and technology, we can promote a better understanding of environmental issues. Who knows – maybe we can even inspire the next generation of innovators who will contribute to global sustainability and a better future for everyone.

Our day-to-day operations affect the environment – we use energy and water, and generate rubbish. By managing these properly, we comply with legal obligations. But, more importantly, we are playing our part in reducing pollution and contributing to a safer, cleaner and healthier environment.

To achieve its environmental objectives, Questacon:

• is committed to a sustainable future through environmental awareness, leadership, actions and engagement with science, innovation and technology
• promotes environmental awareness nationally by delivering inspirational experiences, exhibitions, programs, partnerships and other science, innovation and technology engagement activities
• endeavours to minimise waste, increase energy efficiency, mitigate environmental risks and do all things reasonably achievable to prevent pollution and protect the environment
• encourages staff and visitors to embrace and contribute to Questacon’s environmental initiatives
• works closely with all stakeholders to communicate Questacon’s aims and achievements
• ensures environmental issues are considered and given a high priority in all aspects of Questacon’s business
• ensures continual improvement by monitoring, reviewing and refining processes and procedures to enhance environmental performance
• complies with all relevant Commonwealth and ACT Government environmental legislation, policies and initiatives, and any other environmental initiatives that Questacon voluntarily commits to.

We are taking several specific actions that exemplify our commitment to a sustainable future.

Sustainable Development Goals

As part of the world science centre sector, and as a leader in the Australian science and cultural sector, Questacon is committed to supporting awareness of the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

There is no ‘plan B’ because we do not have a ‘planet B’ – Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations 2007–2017

To highlight the SDGs, we engaged local graffiti artists Ian Dudley and Anna Trundle to create a mural alongside Ban Ki-moon’s quote at the Centre in Parkes. More than 500,000 people see the mural every year.

Pollinate Energy

As a way to show the benefits of solar energy, we support Pollinate Energy. This organisation aims to improve the lives of urban communities in India by providing access to sustainable products.

Solar panel display and energy use

Our 95 kW solar panel array supplies about 120 megawatt hours of energy every year – so we draw less energy from the grid.

We also have a display that provides real-time information on the energy that our solar panel array produces throughout the day. The display compares our energy production with the energy consumption of an average Canberra household. The display also provides information on solar panel technology and the science of solar energy production.

See also our Awesome Earth exhibition.

Waste management

We are accredited as part of the Actsmart Business Recycling program. That makes us one of more than 900 organisations across the ACT that are actively and efficiently recycling.

Our waste management is all about minimising the amount of material sent to landfill.

To do this, we use the 3 Rs of waste management – reduce, reuse, recycle – and dispose:

• avoid creating waste in the first place (reduce)
• reuse and repurpose where possible (reuse)
• deposit waste in the correct waste stream (recycle)
• use general waste bins as a last resort (dispose).

Waste streams

We separate waste into the following streams:

• mixed recycling (hard plastics, paper, cardboard)
• organics (includes paper towels and organic coffee cups)
• paper and cardboard
• shredded paper
• soft plastics
• batteries
• toner cartridges
• metals
• chemical waste
• general waste (goes to landfill).

Waste reduction guidelines

Shopping (procurement):

• Don’t buy it if it's not needed.
• Reuse and repurpose materials where possible.
• Consider purchasing second-hand goods instead of new.
• Select products made of recycled materials (for example, 100% recycled paper).
• Don’t overorder products, such as publications, materials, consumables, chemicals and stationery.
• Buy certified sustainable products.

Think about the life cycle of items. Does the positive impact outweigh any negative financial or environmental impacts? For example, it is sometimes better to dispose of equipment, even if it can be serviced, if there is new technology that offsets the cost and environmental impact of disposing the old technology.

Paper use:

• Print on both sides of the paper.
• Don’t print at all if it’s not necessary.
• Write notes on used paper.

Food and drink:

• Don’t buy bottled water. Drink from reusable bottles, cups or glasses.
• Don’t buy disposable coffee cups. Bring a reusable cup to work.
• Select products that use less packaging.

Recycling and disposal:

• Use the correct waste stream.
• Dispose of chemicals and solids properly – do not empty them down the sink or drain.
• Find someone who can use whatever you are trying to dispose of.