Environmental leadership

Measurable impact

Our commitment to the environment is to find a sustainable way for wildlife and people to share this planet. We work hard to deliver measurable impact through our four sustainability priorities: Climate & Energy, Circular Economy, Water and Environmental Leadership through partnerships and places.

Measurable impact

Four key environmental targets

Energy

100% renewable electricity before 2030

Net Zero

Net Zero emissions by 2030 with a 70 percent reduction in absolute emissions, based on 2018/19 levels

Water

Zero net increase in water use from 2025 excluding recycled or reclaimed water

Waste

90% of operational waste diverted from landfill by 2025

Leading with clean energy

Both Taronga Zoo Sydney and Taronga Western Plains Zoo now operate on 100 percent renewable electricity, achieving this sustainability target seven years ahead of schedule.

This milestone was made possible through:

1/ Over 600kW of solar PV installed across both sites, helping to power two wildlife hospitals, seal pools, primate heat lamps and more; and
2/ A Power Purchase Agreement with Red Energy, including sourcing clean electricity from Wiradjuri Country near Dubbo.

Together, these efforts prevent approximately 7,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually - the equivalent of removing 1,500 cars from the road.

6 star Taronga Institute

Accelerating towards Net Zero

Taronga is on track to reach Net Zero by 2030, with a 70 percent emissions reduction target based on 2018/19 levels.

Emissions have dropped by 53 percent, driven by Taronga’s shift to 100 percent renewable electricity, early electrification of its passenger fleet - achieved five years ahead of the NSW Government’s 2030 target - and strategic investment into data systems. Certified carbon neutral under Climate Active, Taronga is now tackling its next biggest emission sources: food and beverage, animal feed, and construction, as well as electrifying the commercial fleet.

Taronga: towards Net Zero

Smarter water, cleaner future

We are on track to achieve zero net increase in water use from 2025, Taronga is saving 40 million litres annually - equivalent to 16 Olympic-sized pools. In partnership with Sydney Water, Taronga identified large-scale, cost-effective savings to water usage. This includes remote monitoring which links usage to operations and detects leaks in real time.

The next priority is expanding water metering to better monitor and manage water usage at different assets around both zoos. Taronga also uses eWater electrolysis technology to produce disinfectant and sanitiser on-site, replacing harsh chemicals and protecting waterways.

Closing the loop on waste

Less to landfill

Taronga are working to achieve 90 percent waste diversion from landfill by managing 23 distinct waste streams, including organics and e-waste.

A Veolia-led waste audit has informed further on-site container recycling improvements. This meant ~1070 tonnes of operational waste was diverted from landfill across the year, equating to a diversion rate of ~70 percent.

Circular Economy Plan

With support from NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Taronga developed a Circular Economy Action Plan/ The plan drives the procurement of materials with recycled materials or are low-carbon, such as low carbon concrete and steel.

Environmental leadership in practice

Taronga demonstrates environmental leadership through partnerships and place and has been recognised as a NSW Sustainability Awards winner in the Net Zero Climate Action and Sustainable Tourism categories.

Each year, Taronga delivers sustainability tours to hundreds of attendees, including international delegations, businesses and students, fostering knowledge‑sharing and collaboration.
Together, we can find a more sustainable way for wildlife and people to share this planet.