Photo courtesy of the Oregon Zoo.
Elephant Lands, Oregon Zoo
Portland, OR
Business Type
New elephant habitat
Size
33,000 square feet
Architect
SRG Partnership, Inc.
Owner
Metro
Progress Report
Pursuing 60% energy efficiency
Pursuing 40% carbon emission reduction
Certifications
- LEED Gold
The new Elephant Lands increases the original habitat to nearly one-tenth the entire zoo's footprint. At that size, PAE's energy-efficient heating and cooling systems provide cost savings for the whole zoo, as well as healthier habitats for the elephants themselves.
Special Features
- A highly efficient heating system which includes heat recovery and a new horizontal geothermal plant, resulting in a 95% reduction in the building heating load.
- A solar thermal system will meet 80% of the building’s hot-water needs in summer months.
- 20kW PV array offers a reduction in energy costs.
- Extensive daylighting and mixed-mode natural ventilation provides a healthy, well-ventilated space for the elephants.