Hello Zoochatters, Are zoos using renewables like: -Underground heating systems (underground pipes ventilating and heating the air from the outside going to the indoor space): seems very attractive and easy to implement, and can rise the indoor temperature up to 12 deg C when the air temperature outside is lower than 12 deg C, then other device can be added to rise up the temperature more; -Photovoltage solar pannels; -Windmills (if yes, aren't they noisy?); -Maybe heat from degrading organic matherial, like from wet leaves on the floor or pressed dung matherial in a wateproof container directly (via the container's wall) transducting heat in indoor space? Have you observed renewables in zoos and in wich zoos?
Many zoos have solar panels Burgers Zoo also has a geothermal installation which is used to heat/cool the large tropical halls and the water of their aquarium.
Several Australian zoos have windmills on display, wether or not they are used as a renewable energy source I don't know.
The Denver Zoo (USA) was very excited for years about plans to build a gasification plant to use animal waste and other waste but the project stalled Denver Zoo Halts Biomass Project - Energy Manager Today
This is a matter of great importance to British zoos, which are mandated to follow 'green' policies by the Zoo Licensing Act. You may be interested by this paper from BIAZA http://www.poletopolecampaign.org/w...inability_-BIAZA-Sustainability-Guide-_v3.pdf
Hamerton have a large wind turbine to provide their electricity; given the flatness and openness of their site, their location is ideal for such technology. I believe there were fairly advanced plans to build a second such turbine, but these were stymied by local complaints.
ZSL use Solar Panels to heat there Pygmy Hippo pool at London Zoo and there Indian Rhino house at Whipsnade. Theres a video on the YouTube channel about it:
Great, they have succeded although the UK climate is not known for beeing too sunny. Then this can work even better in more southern latitudes.