As an organization committed to creating a healthier built environment for all, we get especially excited when we see projects that promote conservation and sustainability in a unique way.
The LEED Gold KidZooU, the Philadelphia Zoo’s new children’s zoo and wildlife academy, does just that by integrating a variety of water conservation and energy savings techniques as well as recycling initiatives to help the zoo reach its overarching sustainability goals. The zoo’s 2018 key performance targets include a 30% reduction in energy use intensity and 70% reduction in potable water use.
So, how is KidZooU helping the zoo reach its sustainability goals?
Green Stormwater Management
After building out a master transformation plan in 2009, the zoo was looking for opportunities across the campus where stormwater management (how rain from storms is controlled) would have the biggest impact. KidZooU incorporates a number of green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) techniques – a range of soil-water-plant systems that intercept stormwater, infiltrate a portion of it into the ground, evaporate a portion of it into the air and in some cases, release a portion back into the sewer system. Some of the GSI techniques implemented include:
- Two 3,000-gallon cisterns to manage roof runoff
- Use of gray water to flush toilets in restrooms
- Impervious surfaces draining to four rain gardens distributed throughout the site
- Two large stone infiltration beds for stormwater overflow
- Demonstration green roofs on the stable building and pigeon coup and the addition of a green roof to the back of the education center
Conservation of Natural Resources
The zoo did not want to disturb the natural landscape of the site, so all of KidZooU’s features had to work around existing conditions and utilities. In order to install new utilities, the team utilized air spading – a technique that includes using high-pressure air to blow soil from around the roots of trees to protect them from being cut. In addition, 120 new trees were planted as part of this project. The team also utilized native plants to create an animal habitat within an urban space, and dug large 500-feet-deep geothermal wells to help heat and cool the building.
Use of Recycled Materials
The education center at KidZooU is itself recycled – the building is the former home of the Zoo’s African animals and was transformed from an uninsulated barn with a humid interior to an energy-efficient, fully conditioned exhibit and learning facility. One of the interactive exhibits even teaches children how recycling impacts animal habitat. The adaptive reuse as an education center, as well as new construction of other buildings, utilizes recycled materials in the carpet, countertops, storage lockers and structural steel. During construction, more than 95% of the building waste was recycled and diverted from landfills.