Over the past few years, a new type of building has cropped up around the world: the “climate center.” These education spaces range in use from academic centers to nonprofit research institutions and public interpretive exhibition spaces, but they share a common mission: to help save the planet. While sustainable design certainly isn’t novel, the building that so actively seeks to educate its users and catalyze a climate-focused culture shift is.

There’s a complex interplay happening within the buildings, which not only further climate science but also educate the public about the effects of climate change—and future architectural clients about sustainable design. But in some ways, these climate centers can start to feel like a paradox.