Mitsubishi Electric is providing renewable heating to the 51 guest lodges at Chester Zoo’s ‘Heart of Africa’ zone.
Chester Zoo has set a target of becoming carbon net zero in scope one and two emissions by 2030. As part of this, the zoo said it has been working with Mitsubishi Electric to decarbonise heating and cooling across its 130-acre estate.
The latest part of this programme comprised of fitting out the new guest lodges with heating and cooling systems.
Mitsubishi Electric’s renewable air source heat pumps have been installed in the lodges and guests are able to use Mr Slim air conditioning to keep cool during warmer periods.
Robert Arathoon, M&E project manager at Chester Zoo, said: “Heart of Africa is the largest zoo habitat ever created in the UK, and every element has been carefully designed to focus on sustainable comfort. Each lodge is heated with renewable Ecodan air source heat pumps and guests can also switch on the energy efficient air conditioning to keep cool when the temperatures rise.”
Mitsubishi Electric has also provided air source heat pumps, air conditioning and ventilation to The Square, the zoo’s conference and events venue, late last year. In addition, six Ecodan air source heat pumps have also been installed in the habitat for the endangered Eastern Black Rhino and a further seven at the zoo’s purpose-built butterfly habitat.
Jennifer Kelly, head of sustainability at Chester Zoo, added: “We know that we can’t be part of the problem that we’re trying to solve, so we need to develop sustainable plans that help us reduce carbon emissions and achieve Net Zero. We’re working with the UK’s largest heat pump manufacturer to install renewable heating that keep the animals comfortable while minimising our carbon footprint.”