• Living Arts & Science Center

Living Arts & Science Center

The Living Arts & Science Center provides creative and unique opportunities for exploration and education in the arts and sciences, and has for over 47 years.  Since the humble beginnings in 1968 many dedicated teachers and volunteers have made the LASC a trusted creative resource and a stimulating force that makes Central Kentucky a better place.

The LASC now serves a diverse Kentucky audience of children and adults through year-round programming such as:

    • over 300 classes and workshops for children and adults
    • hands-on field trip programs for over 7500 school children
    • WOW: Wonders on Wheels interactive programs traveling throughout the state
    • 6-8 art gallery exhibits
    • monthly interactive Discovery Night Programs
    • in-school and after-school art and science programs
    • professional development for teachers
    • free arts and science programs for social service agencies, community centers and alternative schools
    • a scholarship program for students with financial need
    • free annual community events such as the Day of the Dead Festival and Family Fun Day

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Current Sustainable Practices

Below are the initiatives the Living Arts & Science Center has completed on the Green Check scorecard.

Sustainability Management and Green Team 

  • Provides time to address initiative updates during their regular staff meetings.
  • Incorporates sustainable tips and updates regarding water quality in their regular staff correspondence.
  • Posts information in kitchen area about recycling, FOG disposal, and other environmental issues.

Awareness, Education, and Outreach

  • Includes sustainability tips in a monthly newsletter.
  • Provides a sustainability information board in a common area.
  • Includes a sustainability statement and training in all new hire materials.
  • Hosts annual trainings and workshops to educate employees about sustainability issues, policies and procedures.
  • Promotes sustainability accomplishments in external marketing materials.
  • Hosts environmental events.
  • Participates in regional sustainability workshops.

Energy Efficiency

  • All computers are on power strips as well as other electronics.
  • Occupancy sensors are installed in all galleries, restrooms, majority of classrooms and some offices.
  • New addition of building includes energy efficient windows in all conditioned spaces.
  • Established a power-down policy and checklist that includes items such as shutting off lights at night.
  • Set water heater thermostats to a maximum of 120 degrees.
  • Replaced 50-75% of incandescent lights with compact fluorescent lights (CFLs).
  • Replaceed 50-75% of incandescent or CFL lights with LED lights.
  • Upgraded all Exit signs to LED.
  • Established a regular filter maintenance policy for your HVAC system.
  • Has HVAC system evaluated every 2 years by a certified service provider.
  • Installed efficiency-rated HVAC of minimum standard SEER rating of 14.0.
  • Has taken measures to insulate HVAC system and ductwork to minimize heat loss.
  • Assessed building envelope to address any leaks.
  • Performed an external lighting audit.
  • Established a dress code that encourages employees to dress for thermal comfort.
  • Daylight work spaces wherever possible.

Waste and Recycling

  • Recycling bins available to employees and customers throughout facilities.
  • Reusable dishware is available to employees.
  • Implemented a basic recycling program.
  • Provides clearly marked recycling bins at work stations and/or in common areas.
  • Conducted a waste audit (within the past two years).

Water Quality/Conservation

  • Participated in storm drain stenciling and storm drain art projects in the past in surrounding neighborhoods.
  • Participated in multiple litter cleanups in the past and plant so continue this involvement in the future.
  • Trains and requires staff responsible for cleaning to segregate waste and recyclable materials.
  • Uses reusable mugs and dishware instead of disposable plates, cups, and utensils.
  • Established a policy for environmentally friendly printing such as two-sided printing, reusing copy paper, and electronic document sharing.
  • Established a policy for proper hazardous waste and chemical disposal.
  • Established a policy for proper disposal of fats, oils, and grease, distribute to staff, and post in key areas.
  • Performed a stormwater pollution survey.
  • Posted information in restrooms about proper disposal of flushable wipes and other items.
  • Participated in a community litter clean-up.

Urban Forestry and Landscapes

  • Planted pollinator and rain gardens.
  • Participated in a community reforestation project.
  • Assessed the ecosystem services of trees on property using the National Tree Benefits Calculator.
  • Established a sustainability statement for landscape contracts.
  • Removed all invasive species from property.
  • Established an Integrated Pest Management policy to reduce use of pesticides in the landscape.

Innovation

  • Installed a permeable parking lot.
  • Installed a 300-gallon or above water catchment system.

Future Plans

  • Establish a native species-only plant replacement policy for tree and shrub planting.
  • Become Energy Star certified.
  • Implement zero waste to landfill.
  • Install a green/living roof.

Certified as a Green Check member since 2017
Recertified as a Gold level business in 2021 & 2024