Taronga Zoo in Sydney and Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo have become the first zoos in NSW to be powered by 100 per cent renewable electricity.
Taronga Conservation Society Australia had set a target of operating on 100 per cent renewable power by 2030 so the recent switch means the not-for-profit organisation has achieved its goal seven years early, sparing 7000 tonnes of CO2 from being released into the atmosphere annually – the equivalent weight of 300 humpback whales.
“Climate change is a threat to many of Australia’s unique flora and fauna, and wildlife across the globe,” says Taronga Conservation Society Australia CEO Cameron Kerr AO.
“More than 1900 species in Australia are on the brink of extinction and climate change is accelerating this process.
“As a conservation organisation, we are dedicated to safeguarding our planet and securing a future for wildlife.
“Intrinsic within that is a commitment to act with leadership in environmental sustainability and climate change action, and this is a significant milestone in our sustainability journey.”
Taronga is procuring electricity from Red Energy – which is sourcing clean energy from a solar farm near Western Plains Zoo – in addition to the installation of 500kW of solar panels across both zoos.
“Environmental leadership is one of six priorities in Taronga’s strategic plan, and we want to lead by example in reducing the impact of our operations and ensure we are doing everything in our power to protect our world and its wildlife,” says Taronga Conservation Society sustainability manager Bridget Corcoran.
