Creating a Model for Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility

Asian Tropics will be unlike any other zoo exhibit in its wise use of resources and renewable energy.  Denver Zoo is committed to practicing environmentally friendly operations, minimizing the effect of its operations on the environment, helping to educate others about their impact on the environment and providing leadership for the construction of facilities using renewable and sustainable materials and energies.  Asian Tropics will exemplify this philosophy by seeking Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) certification for the entire exhibit from the U.S. Green Building Council, which attests to excellence in energy conservation and other achievements in sustainable architecture and construction.  “Green” components of Asian Tropics will include re-use water, day lighting, passive ventilation, material selection, and construction waste management.

One of the most exciting components of Asian Tropics is the testing and planned use of a biomass gasification system, which can turn human trash and animal waste into enough energy to run the entire exhibit.  The gasification system will convert over 90% of the zoo’s waste into useable energy.  Currently, the zoo is testing this technology in hopes of becoming a national leader in renewable energy applications.  Asian Tropics will be a highly visible model project in reducing dependency on traditional energy sources - as well as greatly reducing challenges in managing solid waste streams.