* What: Sustainable practices throughout the Tennessee Aquarium and its River Gorge Explorer attraction
* Company: Tennessee Aquarium
* Location: 201 Chestnut St.
* How it's green: The aquarium's River Gorge Explorer recently was recognized by the Passenger Vessel Association for implementing green practices that conserve, protect and preserve the natural environment. The attraction uses the cleanest burning diesel engines that meet new EPA emissions standards, said aquarium spokesman Thom Benson. Also, the aquarium has implemented a "Go Green" program, complete with a sustainability budget, that seeks to make it a more eco-friendly business.
* Why do it this way? "We try to do everything we can with the environment in mind," Benson said. "It's really from the drawing board to actual operations - as many building components, operational standards, whatever we can get in there."
* Plans for expanding: The aquarium is taking small steps such as recycling paper and plastic products, using biodegradable gift bags and purchasing hybrid and biodiesel vehicles. Benson said future Go Green project plans include installing low-flow toilets and urinals, motion sensor faucets and air hand dryers in the facility's bathrooms.
* Is environmentalism an essential part of the business and why? Though the primary focus of the aquarium is to entertain visitors, Benson said "it's important for us to keep [the environment] in mind when looking at the bigger picture." He said over the past several years, the aquarium has been working with vendors and suppliers to be as green as possible and push the message of sustainability.
- Compiled by staff writer Brittany Cofer