The nonprofit Detroit Zoological Society (DZS), which operates the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Zoo, says it will power the Detroit Zoo with 100% renewable electricity from wind farms.
The organization says its commitment to sustainable electricity with the purchase of renewable energy certificates (RECs) is being made possible through the support of ITC Holdings Corp. through 2018.
The Detroit Zoo's RECs are certified by Green-e Energy, which provides independent, third-party certification to ensure that renewable energy products meet strict environmental and consumer-protection standards.
This initiative is one of many goals of the DZS Greenprint, a strategic plan to refine and improve green practices and facilities at the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Zoo, incorporate sustainability in all policies and programs, and improve green literacy and action in the community.
In recognition of these continuous efforts – including discontinuing the sale of bottled water at the Detroit Zoo and building the first zoo-based dry biodigester in the country – the DZS says it received the 2015 Green Award from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
"We continue to look for ways to reduce our ecological footprint and thank ITC for helping us to accomplish that goal," says Ron Kagan, CEO and executive director of DZS. "Our hope is to inspire others to look to clean, renewable energy sources."
