Green Practices at the Zoo
The National Zoo has a long history of and strong commitment to the conservation of animals and their habitats throughout the world, and to conservation practices at the Zoo. Here are some of our green practices, organized into four important areas of sustainability.
Energy
A variety of sustainable design strategies were implemented in the design and construction of Asia Trail, a series of exhibits that opened in late 2006. Asia Trail's energy-efficient measures include solar hot water systems,
designs of indoor facilities to maximize daylight (skylights, clerestory windows, shelves that reflect light),
Energy Star appliances, and natural insulation. 
more
To reduce energy use in offices, we have removed a number of overhead lights, replaced incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs, and turn off lights when not in use. Some light switches have been replaced by motion-detector sensors to ensure lights are switched off when a room is empty.
Electric carts have replaced some gas-powered vehicles to help staff get around our 163-acre Zoo.
Water
After taking a variety of water conservation measures, the Zoo received an award in 2005 from the Federal Energy Management Program. We saved 31.8 million gallons of water by installing new water meters, water-level controls at animal exhibit pools, rain sensors for automatic irrigation systems, and water-pressure regulators, and repairing numerous leaks.
Asia Trail's three green roofs reduce stormwater runoff. more
Horticulture staff are reducing how much water is used for irrigation.
Habitat
The only coffee served at the Zoo is Bird Friendly® coffee, which is certified as coming from farms in Latin America that provide forest-like habitat for birds and is organic. The Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center established criteria for Bird Friendly® certification based on years of scientific research. more
Asia Trail's three green roofs provide additional insulation and create habitat for local birds, butterflies, and other fauna. more
The Zoo's Integrated Pest Management system uses environmentally safe practices to control pests and minimizes the use of pesticides.
Horticulture staff use native, non-invasive plants and plants with low water requirements whenever possible.
Whenever a tree is removed, it is replaced by one or more trees.
We do not use palm oil in our restaurants. The development of palm oil plantations in Southeast Asia's rainforests is a major threat to wildlife such as orangutans and their habitats.
We planted 1,000 native sapling trees on Earth Day.
Visitors and staff can recycle their cell phones and accessories at the Zoo, which helps protect African wildlife and the environment. more
Resources
Many of our paper products, including plates, napkins, paper towels, toilet paper, and copier paper, are made with recycled content.
Staff recycle paper, cardboard, inkjet and laser cartridges, fluorescent tubes, cans, and bottles.
We have reduced the use of cleaning products with harmful chemicals by using products at food concessions that are certified green.
We use soy-based inks instead of petroleum-based inks for many printed materials.
We provide corn-based plastic utensils at concessions.
Keepers reuse many items, including paper towel tubes, milk crates, garden hoses, and scrap wood, as enrichment for our animals instead of throwing these items away.
Asia Trail features many sustainable materials, including railings and decorations made from bamboo, which is rapidly renewable; paths paved with tree resin-based aggregate paving instead of petroleum-based asphalt; wood decking made with ipe, which was certified as being harvested sustainably by the Forest Stewardship Council; recycled rubber mats; and more.
Check out our Green Team Tips to help you make environmentally friendly decisions.
