CRC Case Study: Zoological Society of London

The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) is a charity devoted to the worldwide conservation of animals and their habitats. They have two operating sites:

• London Zoo - a 36 acre site in Regents Park
• London Whipsnade Zoo - a 600 acre site in Bedfordshire

These sites combined consume approximately £900,000 of energy annually, which results in around 7,500 CO2 per year.

ZSL's objectives are to improve its overall energy and CRC performance by:

• Reducing energy consumption across both sites
• Seek alternative, low carbon energy sources

Since 2010, ZSL has been working very closely with energy consultants Inenco/NIFES to achieve its energy goals. They have developed a CRC compliance Energy Reduction Strategy for ZSL and now manage CRC compliance and data management, reporting and compilation of the Evidence Pack.

Inenco/NIFES undertook a strategic review of ZSL's energy and environmental practices, an outcome of which led to the production of a CRC strategy. This strategy identified a number of actions that could be used to minimise ZSL's league table position. They are as follows:

1. A comprehensive review of site metering and energy data monitoring
2. Investigation into the feasibility of on-site renewable energy options
3. Instigation of a training programme to raise staff awareness of energy consumption
4. Engaging Inenco/NIFES to deliver a comprehensive, three year Energy Reduction Programme.

Inenco/NIFES undertook an Automated Meter Reading study and a metering, monitoring and targeting system is now planned for both zoo sites which could potentially reduce carbon emissions by 200 C02 per year. This system will allow problems to be quickly identified and corrective action taken, reducing the time required to effectively monitor and manage energy consumption. The cost of installing an extended sub-metering system would be recouped in 3.7 years.

They also undertook a number of opportunities to generate on-site Renewable Energy, such as wind, solar and the generation of heat and power through biomass. A feasibility study had identified that a 330kW turbine could contribute to 27% if Whipsnade Zoo's electricity demand, a reduction of 400 C02 per year. The recoup would be 2.92 years.

ZSL also recognised that a key aspect of managing energy is ensuring that its staff has a good level of energy awareness and understands that steps they can take to minimise energy consumption. For 2012, an energy awareness campaign will lead to a significant improvement in energy performance for ZSL.

DECC
Jan 2012