# CON

Zagreb Zoo is aware of the environmental challenges we face, such as climate change and habitat loss, and is committed to becoming a “greener zoo.”

Sustainable development and responsible resource management are integral to our operations. Our commitment to nature conservation and research projects is evident through practical measures that reduce environmental impact and bring ecological and social benefits.

Environmental Management

Zagreb Zoo is ISO 14001:2015 certified, demonstrating our dedication to best practices in environmental management.

Since 2006, we have continuously enhanced our environmental performance, aiming to reduce our ecological footprint.

Our key sustainability initiatives include:

Waste Management

We are constantly reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills, which currently stands at less than 3% of our total waste. We recycle over 20 types of waste, including paper, plastic, glass, oil, metal, batteries, electronic waste, textiles, and biodegradable materials.

Our goal is to further decrease waste output and continuously improve recycling processes.

Energy Efficiency

We have installed energy-efficient LED lighting in 90% of the zoo’s facilities and modernized heating systems, replacing oil boilers with a central pellet boiler and heat pumps.

Solar panels have also been installed to further reduce energy consumption.

These upgrades have significantly reduced CO2 emissions and increased energy efficiency.

Water Management

We monitor and optimize water usage, promptly detect leaks, and utilize rainwater for sanitary needs in some facilities.

A bio-filter in the African aviary purifies 5 m³ of raw water daily.

Our staff is regularly trained on responsible resource use, promoting awareness within the organization itself.

Responsible Resource Use

We utilize specialized applications to monitor water, energy, and gas consumption, ensuring transparency and optimized usage. Additionally, we work with suppliers to reduce packaging waste, resulting in a 2.5-ton decrease in packaging materials in 2020.

Green Infrastructure and Innovative Solutions

Green roofs help reduce thermal loads, retain rainfall, improve sound insulation, and filter pollutants. These roofs are installed on various zoo buildings, including the African aviary, lion enclosure, interpretation center, and the exhibit building “Microworld of Maksimir Forest,” while the restaurant façade features a green wall.

Sustainable pellet heating with minimal CO2 emissions is a testament to our eco-friendly approach. The 156 kW central boiler uses 60 tons of pellets annually, reducing the use of fossil fuels.

Rainwater collection and heat pumps further decrease resource consumption and contribute to energy sustainability.

Photovoltaic cells installed on the Rehabilitation center building convert solar energy into electricity, with a capacity of 38.43 kW. This “solar power plant” consists of 126 solar panels, each with an output of 305 W. The expected annual electricity production from this system is approximately 42,952 kWh, significantly contributing to the reduction of non-renewable energy use and boosting energy sustainability.

Visitor Education

As an institution that attracts visitors of all ages, we believe that education about nature and sustainability is crucial. Visitors have the opportunity to learn firsthand about environmental issues and the importance of species conservation, raising awareness of the collective effort needed to protect the environment.

Zagreb Zoo is committed to continually improving its practices to become a leader in sustainable management and environmental conservation, benefiting not only our visitors but the broader community as well.

Summary:

Zagreb Zoo is committed to sustainable development and environmental protection through a certified environmental management system, energy-efficient practices, waste reduction, and visitor education. Through initiatives such as renewable energy use, bio-filters, and green roofs, we contribute to resource conservation and raising ecological awareness.