How Honeywell Reduces St. Paul’s Como Zoo Scope 3 Emissions
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory (CPZC), Saint Paul’s largest energy user, will join forces with Honeywell to align with the city’s sustainability targets.
Partnering with Honeywell, the zoo aims to achieve savings of up to US$1.8 million over three years, supporting the city’s goal for carbon-neutral operations by 2030 and citywide neutrality by 2050.
The project focuses on sustainable energy management improvements in the primates, polar bears and administration buildings, enhancing comfort for all while reducing carbon output.
Improvements to the heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) and water heating systems, including geothermal heat pumps and wells, are set to help reduce the zoo’s costs and Scope 3 emission output.
Sustainable upgrades for emission reduction
Significant upgrades to the zoo’s infrastructure will enhance efficiency and reduce its carbon footprint, these include:
- Geothermal heat pumps: Modernising heating and cooling by replacing an outdated central steam plant
- Geothermal wells: Providing renewable sources for chilled and heated water systems
- Improved water heating: A geothermal heat pump system optimises hot water production
- Efficient cooling systems: Replacing direct expansion units with high-efficiency chilled water-cooling equipment
- Backup generators and boilers: Ensuring reliable energy for animal welfare and facility operations.
These changes align CPZC with sustainability targets, supporting environmental goals and enhancing comfort for animals and visitors.
Michelle Furrer, Director of CPZC, highlights: “This project is a significant step forward in our commitment to sustainability... aligning with the City of Saint Paul’s climate action goals while ensuring comfort for our animals and visitors.”
Honeywell’s role and broader implications
Honeywell, known for its global energy efficiency projects and proven savings of US$9.5bn, is integral to this collaboration.
Sudhakar Janakiraman, President of Honeywell Building Solutions, states: “Working with Como Park Zoo & Conservatory gave us the opportunity to partner on their sustainability goals and safeguard the animals.”
The project benefits from funding through the US Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, Minnesota bonding funds and Saint Paul’s “Common Cent” programme - a local tax initiative supporting park and facility enhancements with US$246m over 20 years.
Mayor Melvin Carter affirms: “This investment ensures a sustainable environment for our plants and animals, providing year-round comfort for visitors.”
The partnership highlights the role of climate technology in public spaces, demonstrating how such projects can reduce emissions and support long-term community sustainability.
The project aligns with the following Scope 3 categories:
- Category 1: Purchased goods and services: Improvements involving HVAC, water heating systems and building management impact emissions tied to purchased materials and services
- Category 2: Capital goods: The project involves installing new equipment like geothermal heat pumps, wells and high-efficiency boilers
- Category 3: Fuel- and energy-related activities: The upgrades will significantly change CPZC's energy consumption patterns, moving away from natural gas to geothermal and more efficient electrical system
- Category 5: Waste generated in operations: Upgrades contribute to more efficient energy management, reducing operational waste
- Category 7: Employee commuting: Remote monitoring and advanced systems may reduce staff travel for on-site maintenance
- Category 13: Downstream leased assets: Enhanced energy systems impact emissions related to maintaining leased or operated spaces for the zoo's services.
This project highlights the importance of addressing Scope 3 emissions through innovative technology and strategic partnerships.
By collaborating with Honeywell, CPZC sets a strong example for reducing indirect emissions, supporting local and global climate goals.
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