Energy and the Zoo
Energy Conservation Initiatives
Managing and conserving resources such as energy is just one way we can reduce the impact we have on the environment. Here are a few activities that we are currently involved in:
Being Energy Smart with Energy Star
Taronga & Western Plains Zoos are supporters of the Energy Star program. The ZPB purchases office equipment that has energy saving features. Our Information Technology staff ensures that all new computers have the energy saving feature activated.
Find out how you can check your computer for this facility at:
Being a Green Power Consumer
Both Taronga and Western Plains Zoo are users of Green Power, a practical and effective way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by supporting clean electricity sources. Learn more about Green Power at:
Western Plains Zoo turns Solar
In 1997 a Solar Energy Complex and Kiosk was commissioned at WPZ thanks to the help of Advance Energy (now known as Country Energy). In 1997 this complex was the only one of its kind in NSW located on a site that encouraged public viewing. The complex demonstrates to visitors how solar technology is used to generate electricity that is environmentally friendly.
The 50Kw Solar Energy Complex was designed to feed the majority of electricity generated into the state electricity grid to supply Country Energy's ‘green power' customers. The solar power complex also supplies the kiosk which is adjacent to the complex at the Zoo.
What Can I Do To Conserve Energy?
Saving energy starts with turning off appliances when you've finished with them. It can also extend to finding ways to reduce fuel consumption, right through to the design of the buildings that we live and work in.
Energy Saving Tips
Here are a few simple hints to help you get started:
- Turn lights off when you leave the room.
- Turn electrical items off when you have finished using them, particularly power-hungry ones such as heaters.
- Use Energy Saving light bulbs - not only do they last years longer they also use less power while generating the same amount of light.
- Use a microwave oven instead of a conventional electric oven whenever possible.
- Car pool whenever possible. You can save money and reduce the amount of greenhouse gases you are emitting to the atmosphere just by giving one extra person a lift.
- Plan your business for the day so that you complete many tasks with one car trip.
Do it the Natural Way!
Of course you don't always need to rely on artificial means to regulate light and temperature, nature can do it all for you without costing a cent!
- Make the most of natural light by adjusting your curtains and blinds to suit you. This can also help to regulate the amount of heat entering or leaving the room.
- Slip on extra clothing to keep warm instead of using heaters.
- Open windows to let the breeze in instead of using air conditioners.
- Use clothes lines and clothes horses to dry your clothes. Avoid using clothes dryers if at all possible.
- Use extra bedding and hot water bottles instead of electric blankets.
Other cool sites to visit for energy conservation ideas
Australian Greenhouse Office www.greenhouse.gov.au
U.S Environmental Protection Agency-Energy Star Buildings Upgrade Manual