Two zoos have created an ingenious, if not smelly, way of producing their own
green energy and reducing their carbon footprint.
Paignton Zoo and Newquay Zoo have pledged to cut their carbon emissions by ten per cent by the end of this year as part of the 10:10 campaign.
In a report for the Guardian (March 8th) Paignton Zoo said it was looking to produce food for feeding animals on-site to reduce food miles through a soil-free growing system.
However, the zoo is contemplating using dung from animals such as elephants and giraffes to generate
electricity.
By burning the dung, the zoo believes it can create a biogas as a source of alternative electricity.
It is said that Paignton Zoo's two elephants produce around two tonnes of dung a week.
A spokesperson told the Guardian that they were "seriously looking" at the idea but admitted that they had not budgeted yet and, if the idea meant losing money, then it would not go ahead.
In addition, Paignton has already spent £5,000 on a system to reduce the mains voltage from 240 volts to 220 volts which will save energy but has also created an "experimental vertical hydroponic food system".
The system not only saves energy but also saves the zoo around £100,000 every year. In producing feed such as edible flowers, only five per cent of the water is used compared to conventional growing methods.
Newquay has already installed thermal imaging cameras in its zoo to look at its older buildings so it can be better insulated.
The zoo's environmental officer Ruth Wilson even suggested some of the "worst offending buildings" may be knocked down altogether and rebuilt.
The zoos are the latest to join the 10:10 campaign which already includes pledges from local councils, universities, computer giant Microsoft, Boris Johnson and even a Premier League football club.
Campaign director Eugene Harvey was thrilled to have the zoos join the campaign.
"We urge everyone to follow the example of Newquay's ostrich, pull their heads out of the sand, and get on with the job of tackling carbon pollution," he added.
