With the help of recent green technology, Chester Zoo has announced an ambitious target to become the UK’s first net zero zoo.
The 128-acre site is home to some 37,000 creatures over 500 species, each of which needs its environmental temperature regulated in order to thrive. For example, this could involve emulating anything from desert to arctic conditions. The new technology will be incorporated into the 92 buildings of the zoo, which has been open since 1931. Heat pumps will replace the existing kerosene boilers. These operate on the same principle as those installed in residential and commercial properties, such that heat is sourced from the ground or outside air. This is then used to heat a refrigerant liquid, which transforms into a compressed gas that can be pumped around a building to heat it to the required level.
The zoo’s head of sustainability, Jennifer Kelly, said to Sky News that as a charity oriented towards global conservation and education, the zoo had a significant role to play, adding:
“We need to be setting a really good example. We know we can't be part of that problem that we're trying to solve and that's why we know we need to be demonstrating how you can reduce your reliance on fossil fuels to address climate change.”
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Written by Mark
