A photo of a Solar Flower, a specialized device with solar panels arranged like a flower

Solar Energy

The smartflower, an all-in-one ground-mounted solar-panel system, is blooming in the garden just east of the wildlife Carousel at the Detroit Zoo and is estimated to generate more than 4,000 kilowatts of electricity annually. Based on the concept of how a sunflower follows the sun, the 16-by-16-foot system features 12 solar “petals” that trail the sun across the sky throughout the day via a GPS-based dual-axis tracker.

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Energy Efficiency Upgrades

In 2012, we completed a $2 million energy efficiency project for upgrades including lighting, mechanical, controls and water conservation. This project promises to save the Zoo nearly $275,000 in annual utility costs with a payback of 6.5 years and a savings of more than 1,500 tons of carbon dioxide. The energy efficiency upgrades span more than 50 Detroit Zoo buildings and include installation of additional utility meters and low-flow toilets as well as rooftop unit upgrades and boiler control upgrades. We continue to find ways to make our operations more efficient and lessen our use of fossil fuels.

lighting

Lighting Upgrades

As part of our energy efficiency improvement project, the Zoo continues to install lighting upgrades throughout our grounds. LED lights in the Great Apes of Harambee indoor habitat simulate sunrise and sunset to improve animal comfort, and LED lights are also used at the parking structure, Picnic Grove Restrooms and Events Pavilion. In addition, more than five million LED lights illuminate the Zoo for our Wild Lights event.

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Solar Powered Carts

During our peak season, 38 solar/electric vehicles are used by staff to carry equipment, tools and the occasional guest throughout the Zoo. The panels on top of these vehicles collect solar energy and provide supplemental power. However, we have reduced golf cart usage by 25% using bicycles and walking; more than 60 bicycles are in use by our staff.

Electric Powered Lawn Equipment

The conversion to electric mowers, leaf blowers and hedge trimmers at the Zoo is both an environmental and an animal-friendly choice since the equipment does not emit exhaust or other pollutants. This helps us to further reduce our carbon footprint.