Atlanta Steps Up: High Museum of Art Goes Green!
Atlanta is buzzing with exciting news as the High Museum of Art partners up with the Southface Institute to strut its eco-friendly stuff! Located right in the heart of our vibrant city, the High is not just a cultural gem but is also taking significant steps to protect our planet. This new project showcases how seriously the museum is taking its commitment to sustainability, and it’s making quite an impact!
Transforming the Museum, One Lightbulb at a Time
Over the past several years, the High Museum has been on a mission to shrink its carbon footprint. They’ve already replaced gallery lighting with energy-saving LED bulbs, but this year, they kicked it up a notch with a dramatic exterior makeover! Thanks to the support from Southface’s GoodUse program, the museum upgraded 92 floodlights and 70 wall sconces to energy-efficient LEDs. Now that’s what we call lighting up responsibly!
The Numbers Tell a Story
So why should we care about these shiny new lights? Well, buckle up for some impressive numbers. This upgrade is projected to reduce the museum’s energy usage by a whopping 23,986 kWh every year! That’s not just for show; this change will cut down carbon emissions by about 17.03 metric tons annually. To give you a sense of how much that is, think about driving a gas-powered vehicle over 43,000 miles – and that’s what they’ll save in carbon emissions! Incredible, right?
Safety and Savings Come Hand in Hand
It’s not just the environment that’s benefiting. The lighting upgrade enhances safety in the outdoor spaces shared with the Alliance Theater and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Elana Grossman, the Associate Director of Foundation and Government Relations at the High, emphasizes that the area is now much safer for visitors at night. Who doesn’t want to stroll around a beautifully lit space during an evening out?
Plus, all of this work will help lessen the museum’s energy bills by $3,598 each year. Imagine all the exhibitions, collections, and community programs that can now be funded thanks to these savings. It’s a win-win situation, proving that being green can come with financial perks!
A Ripple Effect for the Community
The High Museum’s initiative is part of a broader trend that’s been transforming the landscape of Atlanta! Since 2008, the Southface Institute has supported over 600 nonprofits, helping them trim down on utility bills and reduce pollution. Think about it – food banks, youth centers, and many others are now running more efficiently and sustainably, thanks to the GoodUse program. It’s not just a local win, it’s a ripple effect that benefits the entire community!
How You Can Get Involved
Want to help drive change in your community? You can contribute to Southface’s mission and help more organizations like the High Museum continue their sustainability journey! Visit www.southface.org/donate to see how you can lend a helping hand. Every bit counts!
Be Part of the Movement
As we continue to cheer on our local institutions for their dedication to sustainability, it’s clear that Atlanta is making strides towards a greener future. If you’re interested in learning more about these inspiring initiatives, be sure to check out the GoodUse program at www.southface.org/gooduse. Together, we can build a brighter, more sustainable future for our city! Shine on, Atlanta!
