The Zoo Goes Green!

Here at the Cincinnati Zoo we are working hard to reduce our carbon footprint by going green. The Harold C. Schott Education Center, which opened October 2006 is one of the only LEED Silver certified buildings in the City, recognized for its green features such as rapidly renewable resources and solar energy panels. We have also upgraded all of our mechanical and lighting systems, including switching out incandescent light bulbs with more energy efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs, fixing leaks and fine tuning water systems, reducing the Zoo’s water usage by millions of gallons, and converting diesel powered vehicles and equipment to blended bio-diesel fuel.

In the future, the Zoo plans to pursue LEED certification for all new construction, starting with the Vine Street Village Project, which is currently underway. Recycling efforts will expand to include plastics, batteries, and more. Horticulture waste will be reused as mulch and storm water retention strategies such as green roofs will decrease our impact on sewer overflow.

The Zoo also has big plans for our largest animals - making strides to be on the cutting edge of renewable energy, including biomass energy; that is, "poop to power."

With each of these efforts, the Zoo is reducing its impact on the environment. To learn more about all of the green efforts, please click on the information to the left or contact us at 513-281-4700.