Toledo Zoological Society
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The Toledo Zoological Society is a non-profit organization that operates the Toledo Zoo and Aquarium, located in Toledo, Ohio, United States. The society was founded in 1900 and has since been dedicated to the conservation of wildlife and the education of the public about the importance of preserving our planet's biodiversity. The Toledo Zoo and Aquarium is home to over 10,000 animals representing more than 720 species, making it one of the most diverse zoos in the country.
In recent years, the Toledo Zoological Society has taken a proactive approach to reducing its carbon footprint and promoting renewable energy. The society has recognized the importance of decarbonisation and has made significant strides in this area. One of the ways the Toledo Zoo and Aquarium has reduced its carbon footprint is through the installation of a solar panel array. The array is capable of producing 1.2 million kilowatt-hours of electricity per year, which is enough to power 100 homes for a year. The solar panel array has reduced the zoo's carbon emissions by 1,000 metric tons per year, which is equivalent to taking 200 cars off the road.
The Toledo Zoological Society has also implemented a corporate energy strategy that focuses on reducing energy consumption and promoting energy efficiency. The society has conducted energy audits to identify areas where energy efficiency can be improved and has implemented measures such as LED lighting, occupancy sensors, and programmable thermostats. These measures have resulted in a 25% reduction in energy consumption, which has saved the zoo over $500,000 in energy costs.
In addition to reducing its carbon footprint and promoting energy efficiency, the Toledo Zoological Society has also embraced renewable energy through the use of corporate power purchase agreements (PPAs). A corporate PPA is a long-term contract between a renewable energy provider and a corporate entity, in which the corporate entity agrees to purchase a certain amount of renewable energy at a fixed price. The Toledo Zoo and Aquarium has entered into a 20-year PPA with a wind energy provider, which will provide the zoo with 30% of its electricity needs. The PPA will not only reduce the zoo's carbon footprint but will also provide cost savings over the long term.
The Toledo Zoological Society's commitment to decarbonisation, corporate energy, and renewable energy has not gone unnoticed. The society has received numerous awards and recognitions for its efforts, including the Ohio Environmental Council's Green Achievement Award, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Green Award, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Green Power Leadership Award.
The Toledo Zoological Society's commitment to sustainability extends beyond its energy initiatives. The society has implemented a comprehensive waste reduction and recycling program, which has resulted in a 50% reduction in waste sent to landfills. The zoo has also implemented a water conservation program, which has resulted in a 25% reduction in water consumption.
The Toledo Zoological Society's commitment to sustainability is not only evident in its operations but also in its educational programs. The society offers a variety of educational programs for visitors of all ages, which focus on the importance of conservation and sustainability. The zoo's exhibits and displays also highlight the importance of conservation and the impact of climate change on wildlife.
In conclusion, the Toledo Zoological Society is a non-profit organization that operates the Toledo Zoo and Aquarium. The society is committed to the conservation of wildlife and the education of the public about the importance of preserving our planet's biodiversity. The Toledo Zoo and Aquarium has made significant strides in reducing its carbon footprint and promoting renewable energy through the installation of a solar panel array, the implementation of a corporate energy strategy, and the use of corporate power purchase agreements. The society's commitment to sustainability is evident in its operations, educational programs, and exhibits. The Toledo Zoological Society is a leader in the non-profit sector and serves as a model for other organizations looking to reduce their carbon footprint and promote sustainability.