Denver Zoo has a strong commitment to sustainability, aiming to operate in the most environmentally, socially, and economically friendly manner possible. The zoo has set ambitious goals to reduce waste, energy consumption, and water usage by 2025.

Key Sustainability Objectives

1. Responsible Sourcing of Materials, Food, and Services: The zoo partners with suppliers who share similar environmental and social values to support biodiversity and reduce negative impacts.
2. Waste Diversion and Promotion of a Circular Economy: The zoo aims to achieve a Zero Waste campus by 2025, diverting 90% of waste from landfills through composting, recycling, and repurposing.
3. Water Stewardship and Conservation: The zoo plans to reduce water usage by 50% by 2025, ensuring clean water for animals, plants, and the environment.
4. Reduction of Fossil Fuel Use: The zoo is improving mobility, energy efficiency, and supporting renewable energy sources to reduce fossil fuel use and mitigate climate change.
5. Economic Growth with Positive Social and Environmental Impacts: The zoo ensures that financial decisions align with its mission and support biodiversity.
6. Social Leadership and Community Engagement: The zoo fosters inclusivity, diversity, and justice within the zoo and surrounding communities.
7. Design for Resilience and Thriving Environments: The zoo designs its facilities and operations to mitigate the impacts of climate change and promote biodiversity.
8. Integration of Ecosystem and Biodiversity Values: The zoo incorporates ecosystem and biodiversity values into its planning and development processes.

Initiatives and Progress

• Waste Reduction: The zoo has made significant strides in waste diversion, with a current rate of 50% diversion from landfills. They are exploring on-site composting and reusable products to further reduce waste.
• Energy Efficiency: The zoo has replaced old pumps with high-efficiency units and optimized boiler usage, resulting in a 6% reduction in energy consumption since 2018.
• Water Conservation: The zoo has reduced water usage by 25% since 2018 through efficient cleaning techniques and upgrading water-based habitats.
• Renewable Energy: The zoo aims to use 100% renewable electricity by 2030 and is exploring solar array installations.
• Partnerships and Community Engagement: The zoo partners with organizations like Ridwell to expand recycling capabilities and engages the community through events and education.

Visitor Involvement

Visitors can contribute to the zoo’s sustainability efforts by:

• Correctly recycling and composting waste
• Refilling water bottles at designated stations
• Carpooling, walking, biking, or taking public transportation to the zoo
• Participating in special events and initiatives that support sustainability

By working together, Denver Zoo aims to create a more sustainable future for both animals and humans.

References

1. Denver Zoo. (2020). Less, Then Zero. Retrieved from https://denverzoo.org/zootales/less-then-zero/
2. Denver Zoo. (n.d.). Sustainability. Retrieved from https://denverzoo.org/sustainability-safety/
3. Denver.org. (2024). Sustainability Goals & Programs at the Denver Zoo. Retrieved from https://www.denver.org/blog/post/zoo-greener-future/
4. Denver Zoo. (2020). Advancing Sustainability. Retrieved from https://denverzoo.org/zootales/advancing-sustainability/
5. Denver Zoo. (n.d.). Sustainability Policy. Retrieved from https://denverzoo.org/sustainability-policy/.