by Oren Jaffe & Brielle Plump
The Denver Zoo is considered by many to be the leader in the zoo industry when it comes to demonstrating new clean technologies and sustainability programs. In addition to building the first LEED-Gold certified building, they are now embarking on a unique on-site gasification plant that will generate electricity and significantly reduce their waste stream.
According to Craig Piper, the Zoo's Executive Director, "this technology will allow us to remove up to 90% of our waste from the waste stream." In addition, the Zoo is testing a new type of software that will evaluate a product's potential "fuel value" or how good a fuel source for gasification it will be at the end of its life. According to Mr. Piper, "being able to decide which products to purchase based on its fuel value, right down to the pens we buy, will further reduce our waste stream and yield significant cost savings."
"The Denver Zoo is the first in the country to win international certification for its environmental management systems and was the first zoo in America to convert a traditional diesel fuel train to an environmentally friendly natural gas-powered zoo train," according to a recent CBS report by Paul Day that highlighted the zoo's milestone.
Brandon Conard, lead researcher for BlueMap Inc., a California-based sustainability research firm, says managing a zoo's waste stream is just a start. "There are dozens of economically efficient upgrades zoos can make to further their positive impact on planetary maintenance; and the benefits are not just environmental." Working with the City of Denver, the zoo installed a water reuse system for their exhibit pools, wash down and irrigation. This system replaced 70-80% of their potable water use, according to Mr. Piper, which also led to significant financial savings.
Who else wants to check out the Denver Zoo with me?
Oren Jaffe is the Director of Sustainability Consulting for BlueMap Inc., which specializes in quantifying the value of environmental impact reduction solutions. www.bluemapinc.com
Diana Hickman
said on May 14, 2009
Oren Jaffe
said on May 15, 2009
Thanks for your great questions. We do not have a video, but that is a wonderful idea and will bring it up to our team for our next zoo client. We will post it as well. As far as changes in animals, I am not sure. My guess is that it would help both behavior and longevity, but it is likely too early in the green process to really tell. Be well, Oren