Mitsubishi Electric is providing renewable heating to the 51 guest lodges at Chester Zoo’s ‘Heart of Africa’ zone, marking a key milestone in the company’s partnership with the zoo.
Chester Zoo, which opened in 1931 and is home to around 30,000 animals, has set an ambitious target of becoming carbon net zero in scope one and two emissions by 2030. As part of this, the zoo has been working with Mitsubishi Electric to decarbonise heating and cooling across its 130-acre estate.
The latest part of this programme comprised of fitting out the new guest lodges with heating and cooling systems. Located in the Heart of Africa zone, the lodges allow visitors to enjoy a ‘Chester Safari’ and stay on-site at the zoo, while also offering the chance to go behind the scenes and meet the zoo’s expert team.
The lodges have been equipped with Mitsubishi Electric’s renewable air source heat pumps, with guests able to use energy-efficient Mr Slim air conditioning to keep cool during warmer periods.
Chester Zoo video
Robert Arathoon, M&E project Manager at Chester Zoo, comments: “Heart of Africa is the largest zoo habitat ever created in the UK, and every element has been carefully designed to focus on sustainable comfort. Each lodge is heated with renewable Ecodan air source heat pumps and guests can also switch on the energy efficient air conditioning to keep cool when the temperatures rise.”
The partnership has also seen Mitsubishi Electric provide air source heat pumps, air conditioning and ventilation to The Square, the zoo’s conference and events venue, late last year. In addition, six Ecodan air source heat pumps have also been installed in the habitat for the endangered Eastern Black Rhino, and a further seven at the zoo’s purpose-built butterfly habitat.
Jennifer Kelly, Head of Sustainability at Chester Zoo, says: “We know that we can’t be part of the problem that we’re trying to solve, so we need to develop sustainable plans that help us reduce carbon emissions and achieve net zero. We’re working with the UK’s largest heat pump manufacturer to install renewable heating that keep the animals comfortable while minimising our carbon footprint.”
Every visit to the reserve funds groundbreaking conservation work both in Africa and in key regions around the world. From scientific breakthroughs which are helping to save the black rhino, through to the innovative use of AI to protect giraffes and pangolins in Uganda, the zoo’s conservation team work tirelessly to prevent extinction.
To find out more, visit: https://www.chesterzoo.org/
