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Environmental leadership

Taronga is committed to environmental leadership, driving sustainability initiatives and taking meaningful action on climate change.

In the 2021-2025 Sustainability Strategy, Taronga has committed to several ambitious targets that focus on Net Zero, Renewables, Water and Waste.

Sustainability

Need some intro copy for categories of sustainability - water, climate and energy. And mention / visuallly show Net Zero.

Leading with Clean Energy

Both Taronga Zoo Sydney and Taronga Western Plains Zoo now operate on 100 percent renewable electricity, achieving this sustainability target seven years ahead of schedule.

This milestone was made possible through:

Over 600kW of solar PV installed across both sites, helping to power two wildlife hospitals, seal pools, primate heat lamps and more; and
A Power Purchase Agreement with Red Energy, including sourcing clean electricity from Wiradjuri Country near Dubbo.

Together, these efforts prevent approximately 7,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually - the equivalent of removing 1,500 cars from the road.

In the 2021-2025 Sustainability ‘Strategy on a page’, Taronga has committed to several ambitious targets which support the 2021-2025 Strategic Plan. These targets focus on Net Zero, Renewables, Water and Waste.

Accelerating Toward Net Zero

Taronga is on track to reach Net Zero by 2030, with a 70 percent emissions reduction target based on 2018/19 levels.

Emissions have dropped by 53 percent, driven by Taronga’s shift to 100 percent renewable electricity, early electrification of its passenger fleet - achieved five years ahead of the NSW Government’s 2030 target - and strategic investment into data systems. Certified carbon neutral under Climate Active, Taronga is now tackling its next biggest emission sources: food and beverage, animal feed, and construction, as well as electrifying the commercial fleet.

Water

Taronga has a strong public commitment to have zero net increase in water use from 2025, excluding recycled or reclaimed water.

On track to achieve zero net increase in water use from 2025, Taronga is saving 40 million litres annually - equivalent to 16 Olympic-sized pools. In partnership with Sydney Water, Taronga identified large-scale, cost-effective savings to water usage. This includes remote monitoring which links usage to operations and detects leaks in real time.

The next priority is expanding water metering to better monitor and manage water usage at different assets around both zoos. Taronga also uses eWater electrolysis technology to produce disinfectant and sanitiser on-site, replacing harsh chemicals and protecting waterways.

Closing the loop on waste

Taronga has set an ambitious target to divert 90 percent of operational waste from landfill by 2025, with a focus on Circular Economy initiatives.

To achieve 90 percent waste diversion from landfill by 2025, Taronga manages 23 distinct waste streams, including organics and e-waste.

A Veolia-led waste audit has informed further on-site container recycling improvements. This meant ~1070 tonnes of operational waste was diverted from landfill across the year, equating to a diversion rate of ~70 percent.

Circular Economy Plan

With support from NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Taronga developed a Circular Economy Action Plan which drives the procurement of materials with recycled materials or are low-carbon (e.g. low carbon concrete and steel).

Environmental Leadership through Partnerships and Place NSW Sustainability Awards winner for Net Zero Climate Action and Sustainable Tourism categories. Each year, Taronga provides sustainability tours to 100s of attendees, including international delegations, businesses and students. These tours foster sharing insights and collaboration.

Together we can find a more sustainable way for wildlife and people to share this planet.