GREENER
Reducing our Carbon paw print
Azizi the meerkat will be keeping toasty thanks to a renewable energy grant.
Telford Exotic Zoo is one of 26 organisations taking steps to cut carbon emissions thanks to a grant from the council’s climate change fund. The zoo, which is home to nearly 60 species of animals, such as crocodiles, cockroaches, otters, lemurs and armadillos plans to use the funding to become more energy efficient by installing solar panels. Owner Scott Adams explained: “We need to use electricity 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to replicate a range of specialised climates around the world so we can ensure the health and wellbeing of our animals. “Reducing our energy consumption is simply not an option, so we wanted to find a more sustainable solution, both financially and ecologically. The council’s grant is helping us on our journey to switch to solar power and 100 percent self- generated energy. “We have estimated that the first phase of our plans will allow us to reduce our footprint by a massive eight tonnes of carbon dioxide per annum. “It will also really help us with fuel bills, which have rocketed from £1,000 a month to £5,000. It means we can keep our prices affordable, so that everyone can continue visiting us to meet the animals and learn about conservation.”
DID KN W YOU ?
Telford & Wrekin Council has reduced its carbon footprint by 57 percent since it declared a climate emergency in 2019.
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While leisure centres across the UK are struggling with energy costs, Telford & Wrekin Council has installed renewable energy technology at Newport Swimming and Fitness Centre, securing its future and reducing carbon emissions by 109 tonnes per year – that’s the equivalent of taking 68 cars off the road!
“Our 2022 climate grants have unlocked more than £770,000 in funding for community
carbon reduction projects. I’m so excited that this work, combined with the council’s own reductions, will actively reduce our borough’s carbon footprint by hundreds of tonnes per annum.” Councillor Carolyn Healy Cabinet member for climate change, green spaces, natural and historic environment and cultural services
TOTALLY TELFORD
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