Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/989345
Zoo News m em b er maga zin e 05 No. 02 VoLU M E 38 | J U N E 20 18 From generating our own power to maximising heating and cooling efficiencies to improving our waste management – Kiam and Tom are a force to be reckoned with. The pair supported our efforts in becoming the first zoos in the world to reach certified Carbon Neutral status in 2013. By 2019 they have made a public commitment to convert zero waste to landfill from Zoos Victoria properties. With the number of visitors that pass through the gates every year combined with the operational facilities required to care for more than 5,000 animals, this will be quite a feat to achieve. Currently the three zoos are diverting approximately 87% of material from landfill every day with Tom determined to make the deadline by next year. "We've come a long way over the last few years with the installation of our in-vessel composter called Hot Rot. The unit is able to process much of the organic waste from across the three zoos turning it into compost." "This investment, along with changes to our back of house operations, have made a big impact on reaching our goal," Tom says. Some wastes such as asbestos, PVC downpipes and treated timber will be excluded from the challenge but the rest will be determined by the success of visitor focussed behaviour change. From changing bin signage, providing bins just for soft plastics, possibly removing landfill bins completely to installing sorting equipment back of house are just some of the ideas being considered as part of the strategy. However, the vision for a sustainable future doesn't just stop at waste management. One of Kiam's biggest challenges is increasing energy efficiency in a way that doesn't also increase greenhouse gas production. Kiam and the team are investing heavily in solar energy to try and achieve this. At Werribee Open Range Zoo, a newly-constructed 'Solar Forest' will be a prototype for future innovations with solar. The eight wooden structures are made from recycled timber (some sourced from the old wharf along the Geelong harbour) featuring solar panels as leaves with the hope that they will generate off-grid power. If the trial goes well, Kiam hopes to install more solar trees across the zoos. "There's potential for a concept like this to find an appropriate application in homes, businesses and schools around the world so it's really exciting," says Kiam. Both Tom and Kiam are paving the way for Zoos Victoria to become a leading force within the sustainability industry and we can't wait to see what other challenges the pair take on. Currently they are diverting approximately 87% of material from landfill everyday... A SUSTAINAbLE fUTUrE Although the sustainability team at zoos Victoria has achieved some impressive feats to date, their ambitions continue to grow. Senior Environmental Sustainability manager Kiam Yoong and Sustainability manager Tom meek are two people leading the way to an incredible vision for Victoria's zoos. TOm'S TOp TIpS Everyone can play a part in living more sustainability – here's some of my top tips on how to get started in your home: Install a compost bin in your home and start diverting your organic waste from landfill. Look at switching your lights to energy efficient LEDs and turn off appliances when not in use. Start sorting your rubbish – place the right material in the right bin and keep organic matter to your compost bin. Try to reduce the amount of landfill you generate in the home each week. Avoid purchasing and using single-use plastics. Look for alternatives to cling wrap such as glass jars or plastic containers for food storage. Install solar panels on your home or purchase green power.