Indianapolis, April 21, 2008 – The Indianapolis Museum of Art announced today that it is the first art museum to be recognized by the government, achieving ENERGY STAR certification, for its efforts to become more environmentally responsible. ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy, which recognizes organizations for utilizing energy efficient products and practices.

"We are proud that our campus has been certified as an ENERGY STAR member since good environmental stewardship is part of the IMA’s mission to integrate art, design, and nature. We have taken significant steps to reduce our energy consumption and to become more environmentally responsible, and we hope that our efforts, however modest, are emblematic of our commitment to sustainable practices," explained Maxwell L. Anderson, the Melvin & Bren Simon Director and CEO of the IMA.

In addition to reducing its energy consumption, the IMA has made an effort to lessen its impact on the environment through its horticulture division activities, the conservation labs, staff and visitors.

Energy Consumption
At the beginning of 2006, the IMA began to utilize an engineering-based, detailed approach to reducing its energy consumption. Improved preventive maintenance procedures, a thorough review of operating sequences and experimentation with equipment settings all contributed to dramatic results. By the beginning of 2008, the average monthly demand for electricity and natural gas had been reduced by approximately 30 percent. In addition, energy conservation results contributed to a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (CO2) of approximately 3,200 tons. All of the improvements were achieved while meeting the very stringent temperature and humidity requirements associated with fine art conservation.

In early 2008, the IMA enrolled several of its outbuildings in Indianapolis Power and Light's green energy option. The electricity used in those buildings is generated from clean, renewable energy sources, including wind, solar, geothermal or biomass generation (including landfill gas).

IMA Horticulture
Located on 152 acres of gardens and grounds, the IMA's landscape design uses groundcover and plantings that minimize disturbance of the ground. The IMA's horticulture staff reduces horticulture waste by composting and using it in the planting beds around the campus. They have moved to an integrated pest management system that lessens the dependence on harmful chemicals. Through its green roof a top of its parking garage, the IMA has preserved more green space on its campus.

IMA Conservation Labs
Many changes have been made in the IMA's conservation labs over the past several years. The conservation labs no longer use X-ray technology; instead, they use digital technology. Conservators have eliminated chemical developers and fixers for black and white film, and color slides and they use high-volume/low-pressure (HVLP) spray guns for application of paints and varnishes that minimize overspray. The Conservation Department uses less toxic solvents and/or using water-based materials when possible. Scrap supplies not suitable for use in the conservation labs or in the print room are shared with the education division.

Puck's
Puck's, the IMA’s food service provider, is committed to making sustainable choices in its operation through using non-toxic and recyclable materials in food presentation and vending and through using organic produce and free range poultry and meat when possible. Diners at the IMA Cafe may choose to use silverware and ceramic plates instead of plastic table ware and plastic food containers.

IMA Staff
The IMA staff and leadership team have fostered a green culture in daily work at the museum. The IMA uses vendors who use "green" practices including Saint Clair Press, which recently announced its new Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Certification. In the administrative offices, staff members are encouraged to print documents only when necessary, and to use a double-sided printing option whenever possible.

IMA Information
Encompassing 152 acres of gardens and grounds, IMA connects visitors to its unique and expansive view of art with its Indianapolis Museum of Art, the future Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park and Oldfields–Lilly House & Gardens. The Indianapolis Museum of Art is the fifth largest encyclopedic art museum in the United States and features significant collections of African, American, Asian, European, contemporary and decorative art, including paintings, sculpture, prints, drawings and photographs, textiles and costumes.

The IMA completed a $74 million expansion project in May 2005 that featured three new wings, 50 percent more gallery space, expanded educational spaces, two new restaurants by Wolfgang Puck Catering and an enhanced museum store. The construction added 164,000 square feet to the Museum and includes renovation of 90,000 square feet of existing space. In order to present major exhibitions of its own and to accommodate major traveling exhibitions, the expanded Museum was outfitted with new 10,000-plus square foot Clowes Special Exhibition Gallery on the Museum's first level.

Located at 4000 Michigan Road, the IMA and Lilly House are open Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. The IMA is closed Mondays and Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's days. For more information, call 317-923-1331 or visit www.imamuseum.org.

Contact:
Katie Zarich
Indianapolis Museum of Art
317-923-1331 x 295
kzarich@imamuseum.org