Exhibition Installation: Newfields' Design and Installation teams promote sustainability by minimizing construction waste by reusing risers, exhibit cases, furniture, crates, and temporary walls from previous exhibitions. Additionally, they work with local businesses to recycle construction waste whenever possible and repurpose interior padding from art shipping crates for mounts in art storage.
Environmental Controls: Inspired by the Bizot Group's 2012 guidelines, Newfields reviews policies on loan requirements, storage, display conditions, building design, and air conditioning to reduce its carbon footprint. We balance long-term preservation with energy reduction, encouraging innovative approaches.
Conservation Laboratories: Newfields' conservation labs have replaced X-ray technology with digital alternatives, eliminating chemical developers for film. This is better for the environment because it reduces the use of hazardous chemicals that can contaminate the soils and groundwater, even after proper disposal.
The Tobias Theater: During the renovation of The Tobias Theater in 2008, many of the materials used in the renovation were sustainably sourced, including:
- Retire Composite Flooring, made from 100% recycled materials, including cork and tires, was used throughout the theater.
- Kirei Board, laminated board made from recycled wood, was used for the lobby trim, wall paneling, and service area.
- Recyclable Shaw carpet tiles were used in the lobby, hallways, and the ADA compliant seating areas.
- Recycled glass and concrete from Santarosa Terrazzo were used for the countertops in the service area.
- Seats are covered in Victor theater fabric, made of 100% recycled polyester.
- All bathroom fixtures, including toilets and urinals, are waterless or low-water use.