Marwell Zoo has become the first of its kind to generate renewable heat using animal waste.
The Energy for Life initiative saves 220 tonnes of CO2 equivalent each year, collecting poo from the animals’ paddocks and using it to power the biomass boiler.
Dr. Duncan East, Head of Sustainability, said: “Using heat in this way from our own animals is unique in the UK and, as far as we know, across the world. There is an urgent need to reduce the burning of fossil fuels and leave these high carbon sources in the ground. We can’t act soon enough to replace the oil-fired heating systems in these buildings.
“Previously, 600 tonnes of animal waste was taken off-site to be composted. This came with a significant carbon transport cost. We came up with the idea of biomass heat generation to reduce our carbon footprint. We would turn a previous waste stream into a valuable resource – achieving cost savings in the process.”
The team of keepers sweeps up the zoo poo from the animal paddocks and enclosures each morning. It is then dried and pressed into briquettes, which are fed into the boiler.
The boiler produces hot water, which is fed into a 15,000-litre thermal store. It then flows underground to heat Energy for Life: Tropical House. The exhibit combines the tropical animal habitat with educational exhibits on energy flow, climate change, and powering modern lifestyles.
The resident animals including a Linne’s two-toed sloth, free-flying tropical birds, and crocodile monitor lizards as well as lush tropical plants benefit from the warm, humid environment.
Dr. East said: “Replacing oil-fired heating systems with heat generated from waste from our own animals will hugely reduce our carbon footprint. What better way than to make use of a material which is in abundant and continuous supply.”
