The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) has announced plans to expand its solar energy infrastructure as it works towards its target of reaching net-zero emissions by 2035.
London Zoo is already home to a solar panel array, installed by the SolarSense team. The company is now fitting two more solar panel arrays at the zoo's Regent's Park site.
Additionally, feasibility studies are underway for additional solar installations on other buildings at the zoo, which also plans to introduce on-site battery storage.
Clean energy generation
Louise Talbot, energy and sustainability manager at ZSL, said the zoo aims to be "a leader in this sector".
"We can demonstrate how sustainable solutions like solar can be designed and integrated into a mix of historic and new buildings like ours, and share the route we’ve mapped out to take us to net zero by 2035 and why it matters," she said.
The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) has announced plans to expand its solar energy infrastructure
Talbot added: "SolarSense were a great fit for us, and at each stage they've collaborated with the animal teams to ensure no disturbance to visitors or to the animals’ feeding and sleeping routines."
Councillor Tim Mitchell, cabinet member for city management, said: "The installation of solar panels at London Zoo is a great example of how we can work together to deliver environmental solutions that benefit the whole city."
London Zoo's solar investment "is inspiring other initiatives, like converting to biomass for our gas supply at Whipsnade, which is currently undergoing a feasibility study", said Talbot.
The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) is working towards its target of reaching net-zero emissions by 2035
"When you see one initiative working so well... it inspires you to think even bigger," she said.
ZSL is celebrating its 200th anniversary this year, and in April, it unveiled plans for a new world-leading wildlife health centre.
In the new centre, visitors will be able to watch live veterinary procedures such as penguin health checks and porpoise post-mortems.
Images courtesy of ZSL
