In 2023, the Bronx Zoo embarked on a groundbreaking project aimed at reducing its environmental footprint while keeping its buildings warm during the chilly winter months. With the help of an innovative waste heat recovery system, upgraded with support from Con Edison, the zoo was able to significantly cut down on its environmental impact. The project, which cost a total of $4.6 million, received a substantial boost from Con Edison’s incentives, amounting to $2.7 million.
Danielle Sitro, Con Edison’s section manager for Customer Energy Solutions, emphasized the importance of these incentives in motivating customers to undertake large-scale decarbonization projects. She highlighted how deep energy efficiency projects often come with high capital costs and long payback periods, making them less appealing to customers. However, Con Edison’s incentives help bring these projects to fruition by reducing costs and shortening payback periods, making them more accessible and attractive.
The heart of this transformative project lies in the waste heat generated by the zoo’s power plant, which is now being repurposed to provide heating for 13 buildings spread across the vast 265-acre facility. Mike Kaleda, the Executive Director of Facilities and Operations at the Bronx Zoo, explained that the upgrade effectively captures and reuses heat that was previously lost to the atmosphere. This heat is now circulated through two and a half miles of hot water piping, providing free heating to the zoo’s buildings, a feat that was previously unattainable.
The Zoo as an Energy Exporter
The Bronx Zoo’s cogeneration plant, powered by four natural gas engines, not only generates electricity for the entire zoo but also exports surplus energy to Con Edison’s grid. Previously, the heat produced by these engines was wasted but is now being utilized to maintain comfortable environments within the zoo’s buildings. Kaleda shared his excitement about the project’s success, noting how the new system effectively delivers heat to the buildings, reducing the need for boilers to run constantly.
The project involved several key improvements, including the replacement of existing waste heat recovery units, the installation of new heat exchangers and pumps, and the implementation of an energy management system. These upgrades are estimated to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 3,100 metric tons annually, equivalent to powering over 4,000 homes. Additionally, the improvements are expected to save the zoo $500,000 annually in operating costs, a significant financial and environmental benefit.
Typically, Con Edison facilitates around 500 commercial and industrial energy efficiency projects each year, with incentives playing a crucial role in kickstarting and completing these endeavors. Sitro described the Bronx Zoo project as a strategic, first-of-its-kind initiative within their program. For Kaleda, the project represents a vital investment in the zoo’s future, providing peace of mind knowing that the facility will have a reliable heat source even in challenging situations.
Energy Efficiency for Residential Users
Beyond large-scale projects like the one at the Bronx Zoo, Con Edison also focuses on helping residential customers manage their winter energy costs. Through various efficiency programs and incentives for equipment upgrades, the company offers practical tips to reduce energy consumption while supporting environmental conservation efforts. These initiatives align with Con Edison’s Clean Energy Commitment and New York State’s transition to renewable energy sources.
In addition to promoting energy-efficient practices, Con Edison continues to invest in its gas delivery system to ensure reliability for customers relying on natural gas for heat and electricity generation. The company offers flexible payment options, including budget billing, to help customers evenly distribute their expenses throughout the year. By encouraging customers to explore available programs, Con Edison aims to provide tailored solutions that suit individual needs.
As the Bronx Zoo sets its sights on enhancing energy efficiency further, Kaleda revealed plans to explore the installation of high-efficiency heat pump equipment and electric boilers in several buildings. These initiatives align with local laws and New York City mandates to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, marking significant steps towards achieving environmental sustainability goals. Sitro expressed optimism about the future, predicting that more campus-style waste heat recovery projects would be spearheaded by Con Edison’s incentives, inspiring other commercial customers to follow suit.
In conclusion, the Bronx Zoo’s partnership with Con Edison serves as a shining example of how collaborative efforts can drive meaningful change in energy efficiency and environmental conservation. To learn more about Con Edison’s energy efficiency programs and incentives, click here.
