Bristol Zoo Gardens' Mission is "To create a sustainable future for wildlife and people". As a conservation and education charity, the zoo aims to increase awareness of conservation and sustainability while at the same time operating as a responsible business. Bristol Zoo is leading in its sector to ensure that carbon reduction and sustainability is core to its operational strategy.
Bristol Zoo Gardens has used its own software system to measure its carbon footprint including all 3 scopes of the GHG protocol. The organisation has achieved a significant Carbon Footprint reduction, exceeding its target for 2009. This is a result primarily of engaging all stakeholders of the organisation in the central carbon reduction plan.
The Head of Estates and the Environmental Sustainability Officer run a Green Team of staff volunteers that meet monthly to work on the reporting and auditing side of the EMS but also to work with all employees to engage them on sustainability practices in the workplace. This team has also worked with Bristol Zoo Gardens’ suppliers to re-think the design of some of their newest attractions. For example all new features use FSC accredited timber and LED lighting. Their new Amphipod is insulated with sheep’s wool and the new Butterfly Forest is fuelled by sustainably sourced wood pellets. The Gardens’ benches are made from recycled plastic bottles. Agreements are set up with suppliers to take back and recycle equipment for example a recently agreed partnership involves Dulux taking back and recycling their used paint tins. The Gardens visitors are even being involved and those that arrive by public transport are given a discount to the Zoo.
