• Goals: Decrease water usage by increasing conservation and efficiency measures. Manage stormwater runoff.

Green Roofs

Lincoln Park Zoo's seven green roofs reduce the urban heat island effect, cool buildings in summer, save energy, manage stormwater and create habitat for birds and insects.

Locations:

• One above the holding area for the C.H. "Doc" Searle, M.D. Animal Hosptial
• One above the Flamingo Habitat (the easiest for visitors to spot!)
• Two at the Pritzker Family Children's Zoo—one on the east side of the main building and one above the bear and wolf holding building
• Two at Regenstein Center for African Apes—one above the main building and one above a lower office area
• One at the McCormick Bird House—a reflective soy-membrane green roof

Emphasis on native plants

Flowers, trees and shrubs in the Pritzker Family Children's Zoo are specifically chosen to represent flora native to Illinois and the Midwest. Approximately 40–50 percent of the zoo's garden plants are native species, which require less water to maintain

Water Conservation

To establish baseline water usage, Lincoln Park Zoo had each building sub-metered. The monthly water-meter data collected is used to determine the best places to focus water-conservation efforts.

Other Green Building elements

Recycled building materials, natural ventilation and passive illumination systems decrease energy use throughout the zoo. Stormwater-management elements reduce the zoo's contribution to Chicago's combined sewage overflows.

Strategic Initiatives

• Evaluation & prioritization
• Water-efficient exhibits
• Water-efficient bathrooms
• Water-efficient landscaping
• Ensure all water fountains turn off
• Stormwater-management plan
• Employee action

Note: Each of the initiatives above must be sensitive to water requirements in animal areas.