Duke Energy Helps Cincinnati Zoo Go Green – Inside
The Cincinnati Zoo will open a new education center in 2006 to house its high school and educational programs. The new Harold C. Schott Education Center was constructed according to the Department of Energy’s Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) standards, thanks to support from Duke Energy and others.
Building projects achieving LEED certification have demonstrated a commitment to sustainability by meeting the highest performance standards. The LEED standards award project points based on energy efficiency, water conservation and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Duke Energy donated a complete 20-kilowatt photovoltaic solar system in support of this effort.
Energy efficiency in the new 33,000-square-foot, $8.4 million building is accomplished by use of the photovoltaic solar panels on the roof, reflective roofing materials, increased insulation and a greenhouse. This solar installation is one of Ohio’s larger installations and will supply at least 5 to 10 percent of the building’s energy. The 55-foot greenhouse is equipped with window, heating, fan and fog systems tied to the facility’s automated controls to reduce heating and cooling costs. A display along the building describes the building’s energy efficient design.
“The whole building is an interpretive display,” said David Jenike, vice president of education facilities for the zoo. “It’s going to give us the ability to change the model of learning.”
The new facility will provide a living laboratory and resource center for more than 400,000 students who visit the zoo each year, as well as for the 11,000 students who participate in the zoo’s overnight program. Students can learn about plants and animals, as well as how the greenhouse helps control the building’s temperature. The Discovery Theatre, open to the public and educational classes, includes building materials and large windows that reduce the need for artificial light.
The project was funded by corporate donations, individuals, foundations and a grant from the Cincinnati Public Schools.
