Sustainability

Sustainability

Taronga’s vision is a shared future for wildlife and people, and we recognise our important role in inspiring people, driving change and helping safeguard the future of the planet. For this reason, one of six strategic priorities in the Taronga 2021-2025 Strategic Plan is to lead environmental sustainability and climate change action.

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. 

Savannah Function Centre
Savannah Function Centre

Sustainable energy

Taronga is committed to reducing fossil fuel, grid-based electricity consumption, which is responsible of over half of our total carbon footprint.

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Savannah Function Centre
Taronga maintains 20 separate waste streams to maximise diversion
Taronga maintains 20 separate waste streams to maximise diversion

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.

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Taronga maintains 20 separate waste streams to maximise diversion
Marine turtles
Marine turtles

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.

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Marine turtles
Taronga supports Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification
Taronga supports Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification

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.

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Taronga supports Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification
Taronga Institute of Science and Learning
Taronga Institute of Science and Learning

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.

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Taronga Institute of Science and Learning
Advanced Ecotourism is the highest level of ECO Certification available.
Advanced Ecotourism is the highest level of ECO Certification available.

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.

Advanced Ecotourism is the highest level of ECO Certification available.
Taronga recognised for environmental leadership
Taronga recognised for environmental leadership

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 announces Net Zero and 70% cut in emissions by 2030
Taronga announces Net Zero and 70% cut in emissions by 2030

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.