Case Study - Perth Zoo

Search all WA Government Sites

Print this page

PERTH ZOO

Synopsis
The Homestead Exhibit offers the 550,000 annual Perth Zoo visitors the opportunity to observe various renewable energy power systems within an energy efficient home design. A recent upgrade of the facility has further enhanced its function as an educational tool and the exhibit is proving extremely popular among school groups and visitors alike.

A $30,000 grant from the Sustainable Energy Development Office contributed to the upgrade which included new alternative energy interactive displays and signage. The Homestead Exhibit boasts both active and passive renewable energy design functions which minimise heat during the summer and maximise heat retention during the cold winter months. Features include a roof-mounted solar water heater and solar panels to convert sunlight into electrical energy and louvres on the sun pergola and skylight to manipulate the impact of the sun's rays. Careful building design has resulted in a structure which reduces domestic household energy consumption. In addition to the energy initiatives, the exhibit offers other sustainable living features including a recycling station, worm farm, compost bins and an organic garden.

Specialist educators at the zoo use the Homestead as a working exhibit for various lessons aimed at groups ranging from pre-primary to Year 12. The tactile nature of the exhibit provides students with a tangible experience of both sustainability and conservation, two issues integral to the Perth Zoo ethos. It is hoped that the Homestead Exhibit will continue to educate and entertain school groups and the general public for years to come.

For further information view the Perth Zoo case study. (PDF 19 KB)

To access Adobe Acrobat Reader for the PDFs provided on this site: www.adobe.com.au