Honeywell Powers Geothermal Energy Sustainably at Como Zoo

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory (CPZC), the largest energy consumer within Saint Paul, is collaborating with Honeywell to support the city’s sustainability goals. 

This partnership aligns with the city’s target for carbon-neutral operations by 2030 and citywide neutrality by 2050. 

With CPZC's current energy use surpassing US$1m annually, the venture is expected to yield savings of up to US$1.8m over the next three years, showcasing significant investment in carbon reduction strategies.

Energy efficiency and climate action

Central to this project are substantial energy management enhancements across the zoo's primates, polar bears, and administration buildings. 

The improvements aim to bolster energy efficiency, creating a more comfortable environment for animals, visitors, and staff, while reducing environmental impact.

The upgrades to the primates and polar bear buildings focus on adopting advanced geothermal technology. New systems include:

• Geothermal heat pump systems – to replace the outdated central low-pressure steam plant, delivering heating and cooling through hydronic systems
• Dedicated geothermal heat pumps for domestic hot water – supported by storage systems to enhance efficiency
• Geothermal wells – provide both chilled water and hot water for heating
• High-efficiency chilled water equipment – to replace less efficient direct expansion (DX) cooling units
• Emergency generators and efficient boilers – reliable power, ensuring animal care during grid interruptions.

These systems utilise the Earth's natural heat, offering an eco-friendly solution that lowers emissions and operating costs.

CPZC, which first opened in 1897 with just three donated deer, has evolved significantly due to community support and a commitment to conservation. 

Saint Paul Mayor, Melvin Carter, highlights the broader benefits: “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.”

CPZC Director Michelle Furrer, also underscores the zoo's commitment: “This project is a significant step forward in Como Park Zoo & Conservatory’s 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’s role in advancing sustainability

Honeywell, renowned for its global work in various industries, brings extensive expertise to the project, focusing on practical, sustainable solutions. 

The company has a strong track record in energy optimisation, having delivered US$9.5bn in energy and operational savings across over 3,400 global projects

Contributing in sectors such as:

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

Sudhakar Janakiraman, President of Honeywell Building Automation’s Building Solutions, elaborates: “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.”

Funding and broader impact

The financial support for CPZC’s sustainability project stems from several sources, including 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 Programme. 

The “Common Cent,” a voter-approved local tax increase, is set to provide approximately US$246m over 20 years for park and facility improvements, underlining the community’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure.

The collaboration between Honeywell and CPZC serves as a testament to the role of innovation in meeting environmental challenges, reflecting on CPZC's continued dedication to both animal welfare and environmental responsibility.

Through geothermal technology and smart building automation, the zoo achieves significant reductions in its carbon footprint while maintaining high standards of care for its animal residents. 

Such projects emphasise the importance of integrating advanced technology to foster a sustainable future and align community institutions with regional climate action goals.#

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