We use cookies to track usage and preferences.Continue ESSENTIAL INFORMATION TICKETS! LATEST NEWS JOBS PRESS ROOM ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT PRIVACY POLICY LINKS Environmental Statement ABOUT US > ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT The Zoological Society of East Anglia is committed to reducing our environmental impact and continually improving our environmental performance as an integral and fundamental part of our strategy and operating methods. Examples of our environmental initiatives include: Reduction of Single Use Plastic Banham Zoo and Africa Alive! have joined with other zoos across the UK to remove all single-use plastic drink bottles from their shelves, as part of a campaign to help protect the world’s oceans from the devastating impact of plastic pollution. Going a step further, both zoos are also removing all plastic straws, drinking cups and other single-use plastic items from their food outlets. These have been replaced with 100% compostable materials. Banham Zoo and Africa Alive! have, over the last 4 years, been making their way to the removal of their 100% degradable carrier bags in the gift shops, moving instead towards a paper alternative. This has taken much longer than anticipated as a result of the downturn in appetite for carrier bags. Use of Renewable Energy Where possible new enclosures and buildings have incorporated the use of renewable energy, whether it’s a ground source heat pump system in Eureka! at Banham Zoo, or solar panels in the Wild Zone at Africa Alive! Responsible Waste Disposal No waste from either Banham Zoo or Africa Alive! goes to landfill without exception. Working in partnership with our waste recycling contractor, waste is recycled wherever possible. Paper & Cardboard: Bailed and 100% goes to recycling Glass: Crushed and 100% goes for reuse within aggregates Plastic: Not all plastic can be recycled. What can be is re-processed into pellets for reuse. Remaining plastics are used as Residual Derived Fuel (RDF) Food Waste: Where we are able to separate food waste, it is forwarded to an Anaerobic Digestion Facility (ADF) where it is processed for farm use and the biogas returned to the National Grid as renewable energy Wood: Shredded and re-used Metal: Forwarded to scrap dealers for recycling Electrical Equipment: Dismantled and reused, with the safe removal of any hazardous waste or gases Garden Waste: Composted for use as part of our in-house animal bedding and feed crop growing. Any waste which cannot be processed through any of the above is forwarded to become Residual Derived Fuel where the production plant contributes to energy recovery. Our Commitment Over the next 12 months ZSEA will develop a more detailed Sustainability Strategy to deliver measured outcomes to reduce our environmental impact and adopt recognised Environmental Management Systems. Our Strategy will aim to: Minimise our waste and then reuse or recycle as much of it as possible. Minimise energy and water usage in our buildings and processes in order to conserve supplies, and minimise our consumption of natural resources, especially where they are non-renewable. As far as possible purchase products and services that do the least damage to the environment and encourage others to do the same. Assess the environmental impact of any new processes or products we intend to introduce in advance. Enhance biodiversity on our sites CHIRP ROAR OR SQUAWK... GET ZOO MAIL! KEEP UP TO DATE WITH THE LATEST NEWS... SIGN UP ©2021 The Zoological Society of East Anglia Limited. Registered In England - Company Number 08250951. Registered Charity in England and Wales no. 1150158. Registered Office: The Grove, Kenninghall Road, Banham, Norfolk, NR16 2HE. Site by Creative Sponge