August 31, 2026
The Wild Center Becomes First Cultural Institution Worldwide to Commit to Decarbonization with the Global Network for Zero
Adirondack environmental leader establishes verified emissions baseline, marking a significant step in its ongoing sustainability journey
Tupper Lake, N.Y. – The Wild Center announced a significant climate milestone: it has become the first cultural institution in the world — and the first organization in New York — to formally commit to achieving net zero and eliminating its Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions with the Global Network for Zero (GNFZ), an independent net zero certification body.
Located in the heart of New York’s Adirondack Park, The Wild Center has spent decades advancing sustainability, climate education, conservation, and community engagement. As the inaugural step in this global commitment, the organization has earned its GNFZ Emissions Assessment certificate, establishing a verified greenhouse gas emissions baseline across its operational activities and creating a data-driven foundation for the work ahead on the path toward GNFZ Net Zero Operations: Emissions certification.
“The Wild Center has always believed that environmental responsibility starts with looking closely at our own practices and continuing to find ways to improve,” said Stephanie Ratcliffe, Executive Director of The Wild Center. “We’re proud of how far we’ve come, but we also know there is much more work to do. Completing the GNFZ Emissions Assessment gives us a clearer picture of where we are today and a stronger foundation for determining where we need to go next. We hope that by being transparent about that journey, we can learn alongside and encourage other cultural institutions that are working to align their operations with their environmental missions.”
The GNFZ Emissions Assessment provides a comprehensive inventory of The Wild Center’s carbon footprint. With this verified baseline in place, the organization is now developing a comprehensive Net Zero Plan to identify targeted emissions-reduction strategies, improve operational efficiency, and establish clear milestones toward verified net zero performance.
The work builds on The Wild Center’s longstanding efforts to address climate change through its operations, exhibits, education programs, and community partnerships. As cultural institutions increasingly seek to align their operations with their environmental missions, The Wild Center’s experience demonstrates how organizations can begin turning climate commitments into measurable action.
“Cultural institutions embarking on Global Network for Zero certification provide a critical pathway to build community, enhance public education, strengthen infrastructure and resilience, and reinforce staff as well as board engagement,” said Joyce Lee, President of IndigoJLD Green + Health and Advisor to Global Network for Zero. “Leading this convening has been most rewarding as global institutions can participate in a streamlined methodology.”
“Net zero is not simply an operational goal for cultural organizations — it is an extension of their public mission,” said Mahesh Ramanujam, President and CEO of Global Network for Zero. “By completing this rigorous emissions assessment, The Wild Center is demonstrating that global leadership begins with measurement and accountability. They have established a model for cultural and educational institutions pursuing net zero operations worldwide, and we are honored to support them on this journey.”
While significant work remains to reach net zero, establishing a verified emissions baseline marks an important step for The Wild Center in understanding its environmental impact, identifying opportunities for improvement, and continuing to evolve its operations in support of its mission.
###