OMSI gets big grant for permanent exhibit on renewable energy and sustainable practices

The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry will receive a $2.3 million grant to help finance a display about renewable energy and sustainable practices.

Michael Lloyd/The OregonianOMSI received a $2.3 million grant from the National Science Foundation for a permanent, interactive installation that encourages the public to use sustainable practices.The National Science Foundation grant almost covers the $3.3 million cost of the project, which will include a 1,500-square-foot bilingual, permanent exhibit in OMSI’s Earth Science Hall. The interactive display is designed to engage the public in sustainable practices, such as better energy use, conservation, low-carbon transportation and reducing waste through recycling and composting.

The grant will pay for community outreach and events. It also will support programs geared towards museum industry professionals, including a Green Exhibit Guide that outlines sustainable practices in development, design and fabrication of exhibits.

“We cannot begin to solve complex problems like climate change until we become aware of the footprint of human activity and the impact of the decisions we make,” said OMSI president Nancy Stueber. “This project will help us see that footprint more clearly and make informed choices based on science in our everyday lives.”

The sustainability project — “Sustainability: Promoting Sustainable Decision Making in Informal Education” — also is supported by the City of Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability, Metro, Portland Community College, Verde and the Coalition for a Livable Future.

Abby Haight, The Oregonian – http://www.oregonlive.com/environment/index.ssf/2009/12/omsi_gets_big_grant_for_perman.html