Celebrating Sustainability: Paignton Zoo’s Eco-Friendly Approach with Solar Water Heating
Paignton Zoo, situated in Devon, has embraced sustainable practices by implementing a series of distinct commercial solar collector systems. These meticulously designed Solar Water Heating systems are vital in supplying hot water to various key facilities within the zoo, fostering sustainability while ensuring efficient operations.
One of the most prominent systems consists of five strategically positioned solar panels, located near the zoo’s main entrance. This setup is dedicated to heating a substantial 400-liter hot water cylinder, which, in turn, serves the ladies’ and gents’ toilets, along with the baby changing facilities situated inside the welcoming reception area.
On the roof of the Mammal House, an additional four-panel solar system stands as a testament to eco-friendliness. This system efficiently provides hot water for the dedicated office staff members. Notably, central to the park, there is another two-panel system serving the Mother and Baby Unit’s toilet and wash facilities, ensuring a sustainable and responsible approach to resource management.
To further enhance their commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility, Paignton Zoo understands the profound impact that business practices can have on the environment, particularly the far-reaching consequences for the habitats of many animal species. As a result, sustainability is ingrained in the core values of the zoo, and they are deeply passionate about raising awareness of environmental issues among visitors through their concrete actions.
This unwavering commitment to sustainable practices has not only allowed Paignton Zoo to significantly reduce its water and energy consumption but has also resulted in noteworthy savings in utility costs.
Internally, the zoo has undertaken an array of measures to reduce energy consumption and set an example for others to follow. These initiatives include:
- Comprehensive Recycling: Paignton Zoo goes the extra mile by recycling any piece of waste they can, contributing to responsible waste management.
- Sustainable Product Usage: The zoo is dedicated to exclusively using and selling products that contain sustainable palm oil from accredited sources, thereby supporting responsible sourcing.
- Plastic Reduction: In a commendable move, Paignton Zoo has eliminated the sale of plastic drinks bottles throughout the entire facility, demonstrating a proactive stance against plastic pollution.
- Compostable Packaging: All catering items, including cups, straws, and various other essentials, are made from PLA, a compostable bioplastic derived from natural plant sugars, effectively reducing plastic waste.
- Biodegradable Alternatives: Plastic sweet wrappers in the gift shop have been replaced with biodegradable alternatives, contributing to a sustainable shopping experience.
- Energy-Efficient Practices: The zoo has invested in heat pumps to reduce energy consumption while ensuring the comfort of exotic animals under their care.
- Solar Energy: Solar panels adorn the Amphibian Ark exhibit and restaurant, generating 50% of the electricity required to operate the buildings. Additionally, solar thermal arrays generate an impressive 80% of the hot water needed for the restaurant and other facilities.
- Biomass Boiler: An environmentally conscious choice was made by installing a biomass boiler to heat the Crocodile Swamp exhibit, promoting the use of sustainable energy sources.
- Effluent Treatment: Paignton Zoo takes a responsible approach to effluent management by utilizing reed beds to treat on-site effluent generated from their composting bays, demonstrating a commitment to eco-friendliness at every level of their operations.
