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in partnership with

Akron Zoological Park

Contact:

Carlos C. Martinez Rivera

Director of Conservation

c.martinezrivera@akronzoo.org

787-237-2508

Region Served: Akron, Ohio

Website: www.akronzoo.org

Resources

Sustainability

Focus Area: Buildings and Energy Completed Planned

Buildings and Energy

Build all new buildings to meet latest international energy efficiency standards (e.g. IECC, ASHRAE, ILFI) (by end of 2026)

Derive power solely from 100% clean renewable energy - generated onsite or procured through market mechanisms (by end of 2029)

Eliminate all onsite fossil-fuel combustion to heat buildings (except backup generators) (by end of 2029)

Meet your nation's Paris Agreement targets for CO2 reduction (by end of 2029)

Additional Goals for This Institution

Engagement

Educate visitors on sustainable, fossil-free horticulture (by end of 2026)

Educate visitors on the impacts of food choices and waste on climate change

Engage youth in climate advocacy and action

Establish an employee green team to support climate action

Incorporate climate education and action into exhibits and site interpretation

Teach facts and best practices to mitigate and reduce global climate change

Food Service

Ensure 40% of food service menu selections are vegan or vegetarian (by end of 2028)

Make 10% of all food purchases within 100-mile radius of site (by end of 2028)

Investments

Divest from fossil fuel investments (by end of 2029)

Invest in socially responsible investments

Landscapes and Horticulture

Convert parking spaces into greenspaces to combat the rising temperature in cities (by end of 2029)

Ensure 25% of all lawn/garden maintenance equipment is electric

Ensure that 50% pesticides and fertilizers used are not derived from fossil fuels

Reduce lawn areas by 10% and encourage native plant replacements

Support reforestation to sequester carbon

Research

Initiate region-specific research related to climate change

Transportation

Incentivize visitor sustainable travel

Make 25% of vehicle fleet electric (excluding tractors) (by end of 2029)

Waste

Compost 100% of food waste

Eliminate all single-use plastic in food service, horticulture, gift shop, and all other facilities and operations (by end of 2029)

Eliminate the sale and use of bottled water

Recycle or reuse all recyclable materials including metals, glass, and plastic

Water

Reduce use of municipal water by at least 25%

Additional Information

It is part of Akron Zoo’s conservation strategic plan to focus on climate change, resilience, and sustainability.

‹ Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum

Alfarnate Botanical Garden ›

Presented by
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

Community Resources and Consultation

Architecture 2030

Environment and Culture Partners

ICCROM

International Living Future Institute

One Earth

Project Drawdown

Public Gardens Sustainability Index

Regenerative Museums

Regenesis Institute

Rocky Mountain Institute

Shepley Bulfinch

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

We Are Still In

World Monuments Fund

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climatetoolkit@phipps.conservatory.org
412-622-6914