Auckland City Council
Media release

5 June 2008

Zoo’s enviro achievements earn ‘Green Ribbon’ commendation

Auckland Zoo has been highly commended in the ‘Businesses Making a Difference’ category in the 2008 Ministry for the Environment’s Green Ribbon Awards.

One of 27 nominations in this category in a year when nominations were “exceptionally high”, the zoo’s second placing recognised its outstanding efforts to address environmental issues across the board.

The Ministry says judges were particularly impressed by the zoo’s ability to overcome some unique barriers in relation to the recycling of waste, by the significant financial savings it has made, and by its efforts to educate and inspire visitors about protecting the environment.

In 2007 the zoo was awarded the highest international accreditation standard in environmental management - the International Standards Organisation’s ISO 14001, and achieved its goal of recycling 85 per cent of all zoo waste two years ahead of schedule. This effort has contributed to achieving a 350 tonne annual reduction in CO2 emissions and savings of $57,000 annually. The zoo has also significantly reduced water consumption, and introduced design and operational standards for all new buildings.

“Climate change represents one of the most significant threats to wildlife around the world. Auckland Zoo has already reduced its carbon footprint significantly, and we are looking to do even better in the coming years. We are also urging our visitors and corporate partners to do the same,” says Auckland Zoo director Jonathan Wilcken.

“The most significant thing we can all do to protect our valuable wildlife is to reduce our impact on the environment by practical everyday actions like being careful about what we buy, recycling, and opting for greener ways of travelling,” says Mr Wilcken.

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