2005

FOR RELEASE:  Immediately  (June 6, 2005)
CONTACT: Peter Sigurdson  (NYSERDA)  (716) 842-1522  ext. 3006 phs@nyserda.org
Heidi Henzler  (Buffalo Zoo)  837-3900   hhenzler@buffalozoo.org

Buffalo Zoo, NYSERDA Partner in Development of New Exhibits

When sea lions and otters meander through their newly constructed home at the Buffalo Zoo, not only do they enjoy new accommodations, but the animals also benefit from state-of-the-art technology that keeps more than 170,000 gallons of water (150,000 salt and 20,000 fresh water) used in the exhibit cleaner while reducing the energy used to circulate and filter the resource. 

That's because when the Buffalo Zoo set out to construct its new Otter Creek and Sea Lion Cove Exhibits, Zoo officials partnered with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to find a new approach to life support design for the new 7,000 sq. ft. building and two news pools that focused on water and energy conservation, water clarity and animal health. 

"As a conservation organization, it is important that we set an example for the community to lower our energy consumption.  We are delighted that NYSERDA offers such a great program to offset the higher capital costs of the energy-efficient equipment," remarks Buffalo Zoo President/CEO Donna M. Fernandes Ph.D.

"This is a wonderful example of how energy-efficient technology can help the Buffalo Zoo control its utility costs and help achieve measurable improvement in the quality of water used in the otter and sea lion habitats," said NYSERDA President Peter R. Smith. 

Through its New York Energy $mart^SM New Construction program, NYSERDA provided $64,958 toward energy-efficient measures at the Zoo, including a high efficiency water filtration system and premium efficiency electric motors.  In addition, Wendell Duchscherer, a NYSERDA technical assistance consultant available through the New Construction Program, worked with a project team from Biscayne Aquaculture to complete an energy feasibility study on the proposed project.

It is estimated that the Zoo will realize a reduction of 282,011 kWh in annual electrical energy use, producing a yearly saving of approximately $21,662.  In addition, project will result in the reduction of more than 124 tons of carbon dioxide associated with the burning of fossil fuels to produce electricity.

Since 1998, NYSERDA has provided more than $26 million to support more than 500 projects in Erie and Niagara Counties. Combined with co-funding from NYSERDA's partners, the value of these projects is more than $65 million. Among some of the other customers NYSERDA is working with in Erie and Niagara Counties, are: State University of New York at Buffalo, Ciminelli Development Inc., Quebecor, Kreher's Poultry Farm, HSBC Bank USA and Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority.

Funding for the New Construction Program and other NYSERDA incentives are provided through the New York Energy $mart^SM program, which lowers electricity costs by encouraging energy efficiency as the State's electric utilities move to competition. The programs are available to all electric distribution customers (residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial) of Central Hudson, Con Edison, NYSEG, Niagara Mohawk, Orange and Rockland, and Rochester Gas and Electric.

New York Energy $mart^SM programs are funded by a System Benefits Charge (SBC) paid by electric distribution customers of participating utilities. NYSERDA, a public benefit corporation established by law in 1975, administers SBC funds and programs under an agreement with the Public Service Commission.

Additional information about these and other energy-saving programs is available online at www.nyserda.org or www.getenergysmart.org, or toll-free at (866) NYSERDA.

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