We are committed to a new model of sustainable astronomy; one that respects the unique environment of Maunakea. With a new design that leaves zero waste on the mountain and a strategic approach to minimize any potential environmental impact, TMT will be the most environmentally sensitive telescope ever built on Maunakea. Visible from just 14% of the island, the TMT site was selected because it poses no risk to rare or endangered plants, insects or animals. And in a first for any telescope on the mountain, TMT is paying a $1 million per year lease, $800,000 of which will go directly to the support and stewardship of
