We visited on an uncrowded Saturday afternoon and started, not surprisingly, with the "Green by Design" exhibit. It combined information on causes of climate change with earth-friendly design solutions. A wide range of topics were addressed including varying forms of power generation and energy efficiency. The exhibits were very hands-on and allowed both kids and adults to participate. One exhibit allowed visitors to experiment with different sizes and shapes of wind turbine blades to see the difference in energy generation. You can even record your experience using the barcode on your ticket stub for access on the museum website later. There were other interesting things worth seeing even though they were not particularly eco-sensitive. For example, you can experience an earthquake on the earthquake simulator, design and ride your own roller coaster and watch a movie in the IMAX theater.

The museum has switched to energy-efficient light bulbs and installed over 800 solar panels on its roof to supplement its conventional electricity consumption. However, the Tech Museum still has more to do to become greener.

The California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco http://www.calacademy.org

Given that the museum was completely rebuilt, the California Academy of Sciences building was able to include many green options. Indeed, it claims to be the world's greenest museum and offered many features to support the claim. The most notable is the bulbuous green roof which blends the museum structure with its natural surroundings in Golden Gate Park. The roof is 2.5 acres in size and provides a wonderful display of plants native to California. During our visit there were numerous bees pollinating the plants, providing proof that the living roof was working as intended. The roof provides excellent insulation for the building and acts as a sponge to limit rainwater runoff. There were also operable skylights strategically placed throughout the roof to provide natural light to the floors below and improve air circulation.

Along with the skylights, huge glass panels lined the building and a central glass canopy provided natural light used to nurture the plant life on display. Once inside the museum, one can see and feel light and warmth flooding the courtyard and the rainforest exhibit; generating a wonderfully inviting feeling. There were also some not-so-obvious green practices throughout the museum such as the use of recycled steel, recycled denim insulation materials and solar panels embedded on the walkway canopy on the perimeter of the building. Throughout the museum, there were also gentle reminders of everyday green ideas such as posters on and containers for recycling and the use of local organic food at the two Academy restaurants. We also noted that the bathrooms use airblade-type hand dryers instead of paper towels.

When visiting, we recommend seeing the African Penguin colony, taking the elevator to the green roof and walking through the tunnel under the rainforest exhibit.

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