Our sustainability strategy
As ecosystem health is increasingly threatened by climate change and environmental degradation, it has never been more important for organisations to make robust plans to reduce their environmental footprint.
In the 2021-2025 Sustainability ‘Strategy on a page’, Taronga has committed to several ambitious targets which support the 2021-2025 Strategic Plan, and which are enabled through sustainability actions in each of the organisation’s six divisional plans.
Our sustainability strategy
As ecosystem health is increasingly threatened by climate change and environmental degradation, it has never been more important for organisations to make robust plans to reduce their environmental footprint.
In the 2021-2025 Sustainability ‘Strategy on a page’, Taronga has committed to several ambitious targets which support the 2021-2025 Strategic Plan, and which are enabled through sustainability actions in each of the organisation’s six divisional plans.
Taronga has won several international and Australian sustainability awards in recognition of initiatives such as removal of single-use plastic from zoo cafes, and development of a sustainability scorecard for evaluating potential corporate partners.
Accolades have been awarded by bodies such as the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the Zoo and Aquariums Association, and in 2020 several Hotel industry awards recognised the Taronga Wildlife Retreat as the best Sustainable Hotel in 2020.
Taronga is a carbon neutral organisation and is recognised for our efforts to continually reduce greenhouse gas emissions and offset what remains by planting trees and supporting renewable energy projects.
In the lead up to the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference in 2021, Taronga has also committed to a significant and sustained cut in emissions including the switch to 100% renewable electricity, in line with the Paris Agreement which aims to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Sustainable energy
Taronga is committed to reducing fossil fuel, grid-based electricity consumption, which is responsible of over half of our total carbon footprint.
Waste management
Taronga is committed to the conservation of wildlife through environmental sustainability. Some of our key achievements in sustainable waste and litter management at Taronga Zoo Sydney and Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo include food waste, e-waste, general litter, plastic bottles, takeaway packaging and straws, coffee cups, balloons, plastic bags and sauce sachets.
Water management
Taronga works continuously to identify water saving opportunities at both its Zoos, by recycling and reusing water, and reducing the use of fresh water.
Responsible sourcing
Taronga has a strong stance on environmental sustainability, animal welfare and conservation associated with food products it sells and serves at its various food outlets, functions and events.
Ecologically sustainable buildings
Buildings and major infrastructure have a significant impact on the environment during demolition, construction and on an ongoing basis during operations. At Taronga, we incorporate Ecologically Sustainable Design principles in all new developments.
ECO Certification
Taronga has been awarded certification at the level of Advanced Ecotourism for it's operations at Taronga Zoo Sydney, Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo, Roar and Snore, Zoofari Lodge, Billabong Camp and Wild Ropes.
This level of certification is awarded to Australia's leading and most innovative ecotourism products that operate with minimal impact on the environment and provide educational opportunities for their visitors. Organisations with this certification are committed to achieving best practice, using resources wisely, helping local communities and contributing to conservation of the environment.