Decarbonization

In 2023, Zoo New England’s Climate Team conducted a study to measure our greenhouse gas emissions and develop a plan to reduce them. Decarbonization—cutting or eliminating carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions—involves using cleaner energy instead of fossil fuels like coal, oil and natural gas.

The goal of our Pathway to Net Zero is to cut emissions by 40% by 2030 and reach Net Zero by 2050, aligning with the City of Boston and the State of Massachusetts. Steps to Net Zero are already underway, including reducing electricity emissions, improving building heating efficiency, transitioning to electric vehicles, and investing in on-site renewable energy. Recently, Franklin Park Zoo’s Tropical Forest boiler was replaced, improving efficiency and reducing natural gas use.

Looking ahead, planned initiatives include energy audits of our buildings, expanding EV charging stations, incorporating low-carbon heating in new construction, and optimizing renewable energy credits from our solar canopy project.

As it stands, our Pathway to Net Zero is on track to exceed our initial target—reducing emissions by an estimated 86% by 2050!