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The mission of the Indianapolis Zoo is to empower people and communities, both locally and globally, to advance animal conservation.

Situation:

The zoo spends $1.6 million a year, or 8 percent of its $20 million annual budget, on utilities to power 40 separate campus buildings and maintain habitats for hundreds of animals. Working with zoo officials Mike Teague, Director of Facilities, and Mike Sanderson, Energy Manager, the project focused on the Dolphin, Oceans, and White River Gardens exhibits.

Solution:

A longtime industry leader in conservation, the Indianapolis Zoo, collaborated with Purdue University's Technical Assistance Program (TAP) on a detailed energy and sustainability assessment through its Energy Efficiency and Sustainability (EES) Program. Examining electricity, natural gas, water/wastewater usage and overall sustainability, the Purdue TAP team provided a two-pronged recommendation for controlling and reducing energy costs, several of which have been implemented or are in the process of being implemented.

Results:

• An immediate capital investment of $120,840 in energy-related enhancements that will generate $92,074 annually in utility cost savings, resulting in a collective payback of 1.3 years. That alone is 5.75 percent of the zoo’s annual utility expenses.
• Investing $644,710 in immediate and long-term, energy-related enhancements that will return $214,451 annually in utility cost savings, resulting in a collective payback in just three years.

“Purdue TAP has been a very good resource to help the Indianapolis Zoo reduce its energy consumption as we continue efforts to empower people, resources, and communities locally and globally to advance animal conservation.”

- Mike Teague, Director of Facilities, The Indianapolis Zoo

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