Photo courtesy of the Oregon Zoo.
Oregon Zoo, Elephant Lands
Portland, OR
Business Type
New elephant habitat
Size
33,000 square feet
Architect
SRG Partnership + CannonDesign
Owner
Metro
Progress Report
Pursuing 60% energy efficiency
Pursuing 40% carbon emission reduction
Certifications
- LEED Gold
The new Elephant Lands increases the original habitat to nearly one-tenth the entire zoo's footprint. At that size, PAE's energy-efficient heating and cooling systems provide cost savings for the whole zoo, as well as healthier habitats for the elephants themselves.
Special Features
- A highly efficient heating system which includes heat recovery and a new horizontal geothermal plant, resulting in a 95% reduction in the building heating load.
- A solar thermal system will meet 80% of the building’s hot-water needs in summer months.
- 20kW PV array offers a reduction in energy costs.
- Extensive daylighting and mixed-mode natural ventilation provides a healthy, well-ventilated space for the elephants.