Honeywell Provides Geothermal Energy For St Paul's Como Zoo

As the City of Saint Paul’s largest energy user, Como Park Zoo & Conservatory (CPZC) is teaming up with Honeywell to achieve carbon neutrality in line with the region's goals. 

CPZC uses more than US$1m of energy per year and the collaboration with Honeywell is set to save up to US$1.8m over the next three years to help meet the city operations goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030 and citywide goal by 2050.

The project focuses on sustainable energy management improvements in the primates, polar bears and administration buildings for enhanced comfort for animals, visitors and staff.

Improvements to the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) and water heating systems, including geothermal heat pumps and geothermal wells are set to help reduce the zoo’s costs and climate impact.

Meet CPZC

CPZC was the first zoo to open in Minnesota back in 1897. 

The zoo began with three donated deer and has expanded significantly over the years through community support and conservation efforts, being one of the first zoos in the US to engage in breeding loans for endangered species. 

Dedicated to their impact on global warming and carbon output, the zoo now has access to carbon-conscious technology to provide to their animals.

Updates being made to the primates and polar bear buildings include:

• Geothermal source heat pump systems to provide heating and cooling to the building hydronic systems – replacing an ageing central low-pressure steam plant.
• Domestic hot water supplied by a dedicated geothermal heat pump system backed up with storage to optimise hot water production.
• New geothermal wells to supply chilled water and hydronic hot water heating systems.
• Existing direct expansion (DX) cooling equipment will be replaced with higher efficiency chilled water-cooling equipment.
• Backup emergency generators and high-efficiency boilers to provide grid backup and energy resilience – maintaining the individual needs of the animals. 

Melvin Carter, Mayor of Saint Paul explains: “We are proud to partner with Honeywell to install a geothermal energy system in our city at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory

“This investment will provide heating and cooling for our plants and animals year-round, ensuring a fantastic and more sustainable guest experience for the years to come.”

Michelle Furrer, Director of CPZC comments: “This project is a significant step forward in Como Park Zoo & Conservatory commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.

“By partnering with Honeywell, we are not only aligning with the City of Saint Paul’s climate action goals but also helping to ensure that our facilities continue to support the well-being of our animals and the comfort of our visitors. These upgrades will help us reduce our carbon footprint, enhance energy efficiency, and contribute to a better future for our community.”

Honeywell

Honeywell is an integrated operating company servicing a broad range of industries and geographies around the world.

The company is dedicated to solve the world’s toughest and most complex challenges through actionable solutions and innovations such as:

• Aerospace Technologies: Honeywell leads commercial and defence aircraft advancements, focusing on air mobility and sustainability through electrification.
• Industrial Automation: enhancing process industries, supply chains and safety – leveraging automation and sensor tech.
• Building Automation: Honeywell's solutions make more than 10 million buildings safer and more efficient – targeting sectors like hospitals and airports.
• Energy and Sustainability Solutions: Focusing on energy transformation, improving efficiency and supporting the circular economy to tackle global challenges.

Sudhakar Janakiraman, President of Honeywell Building Automation’s Building Solutions segment explains: “Honeywell has extensive experience in improving and optimising automation and building efficiency in complex projects around the world.

“Working with the Como Park Zoo & Conservatory gave us the opportunity to partner with them on their sustainability goals while enhancing a beloved landmark in Saint Paul and safeguarding the zoo’s most valued residents – the animals.”

Honeywell guarantees US$9.5bn in energy and operational cost savings for more than 3,400 projects globally to date.

The project

Funding for the project was made possible through congressionally directed spending via the US Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, State of Minnesota bonding funds and the City of Saint Paul's Common Cent Program.

The major improvements to HVAC, water heating systems as well as LED lighting upgrades, mechanical system updates and building management systems, the more efficiently energy can be managed.

CPZC was able to receive funding via the Common Cent – a voter-approved, one-cent increase in the local tax. 

The Common Cent is set to provide roughly US$246m for improvements to parks and recreational facilities over the 20 years.

The collaboration between Honeywell and Como Park Zoo & Conservatory demonstrates the power of climate tech in achieving sustainability goals. 

By implementing geothermal systems and smart automation, the zoo is significantly reducing its carbon footprint while enhancing the comfort and safety of its animals. 

This project highlights the role of advanced technologies in modernising public spaces and promoting energy efficiency – It’s a step towards a more sustainable future, aligning community landmarks like the zoo with broader climate objectives.

Receive the next edition of ClimateTech Digital by signing up for its newsletter. 

As part of this portfolio, make sure you check out Sustainability Magazine and Energy Digital and also sign up to our global conference series - Sustainability LIVE. 

ClimateTech Digital is a BizClik brand ​​​​​​​