Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium’s Journey to Holistic Sustainability as a Wildlife Conservation Organization - The Green Voice

The  Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium’s holistic view of sustainability is a  natural extension of its mission to advance wildlife conservation on a  scale ranging from local to global. As a leading institution with a  presence in international conservation efforts, the Zoo recognized that  protecting wildlife requires addressing the broader systems that impact  ecosystems and communities around the world.

This  perspective evolved from decades of hands-on experience in species  preservation, habitat restoration, and community-based conservation—both  locally and through the Zoo’s international initiatives, such as the  International Conservation Center in Somerset, PA.  It  became clear that conservation success is tied not only to animal care  and breeding programs, but also to sustainable practices that reduce  environmental impact and promote resilience in both human and wildlife  communities.

By integrating  sustainability into its operations, education programs, and global  partnerships, the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium is modeling how  institutions can lead by example. From reducing waste and conserving  water to supporting sustainable livelihoods and fostering environmental  awareness, the Zoo is committed to solutions that protect biodiversity  and ensure a healthier planet for future generations.

Sustainability  for an organization with as varied operations as the Zoo can feel like a  difficult goal to achieve. Still, the Zoo is steadfast in its approach  and is encouraged by the momentum building around sustainability across  the organization since 2022.

One  of the most significant milestones was the adoption of the Climate  Toolkit in 2024—a comprehensive framework created by Phipps Conservatory  that now guides our sustainability planning and action. It has become a  blueprint for long-term goals and measurable impact, helping us stay  focused and strategic in our efforts.

Another  point of pride is the activation of our Green Team, which has brought  sustainability directly to our staff through hands-on employee learning  opportunities. From classes on sustainable, biodiverse landscaping and  composting to cooking workshops and even efforts on sustainable  menstrual products, these programs are not only practical but empower  staff to lead by example in their daily lives and work.

We're  also seeing major progress in our energy sourcing. As a member of an  energy consortium, the Zoo now sources 50 percent of its electricity  from renewable energy, with a goal of reaching 100 percent renewable by  2030. This is a critical step toward reducing our operational carbon  footprint and aligns with our conservation mission.

The  Pittsburgh Zoo’s sustainability journey is a story of steady,  meaningful change—built on practical action, long-term commitment, and a  belief that even small steps add up to a larger impact. One story we  are particularly proud to share is how we are rethinking everyday  operations to reduce our environmental footprint and inspire others to  do the same.

For example, the  Zoo is in the process of transitioning all gas-powered landscaping and  maintenance equipment to electric or battery-powered alternatives.  Today, nearly two-thirds of our equipment is electric, helping us reduce  emissions, noise pollution, and our reliance on fossil fuels.

We’ve  also moved toward elimination of all single-use plastic bottles from  our campus. Thanks to thoughtful agreements with our vendors, only  recyclable bottles are now sold at concessions and encouraged at special  events—a change that’s visible to every guest and reinforces our  conservation mission in a tangible way.

The  Zoo now composts nearly all of its organic waste, including animal  manure, woodchips, and landscaping debris. It’s a full-circle approach  that supports soil health, reduces landfill use, and models responsible  stewardship of natural resources.

One  key insight we have gained in our sustainability journey is the value  of staying local—whether it is through partnering with regional vendors,  sourcing materials nearby, or collaborating with local organizations.  These relationships not only reduce our environmental footprint through  decreased transportation and packaging waste, but they also strengthen  community ties and support the local economy. Sustainability does not  necessarily mean sourcing the most expensive "green" option—it often  starts with simply looking around us.

We’ve  also come to understand that while sustainability initiatives may  appear costly upfront, they often become more affordable—and  impactful—with thoughtful planning and creative thinking. By integrating  sustainability into our operations from the start, rather than treating  it as an add-on, we can find cost-effective, innovative solutions that  align with both our mission and our budget.

Finally,  one of the most important areas for growth is how we communicate our  sustainability efforts. Telling our story—sharing the “why” behind our  actions and the real-world impact of our choices—can be a powerful  mission-aligned tool. It not only builds trust and engagement with our  guests, donors, and community, but it also inspires others to take  action. Sustainability is not just a responsibility; it is an  opportunity to lead by example and deepen our relevance as a  conservation-driven organization.

                                           

                                        

                                    

                       

                     

Stephanie  Tonnesen Hornback is the founder of Hornback Partners LLC, a  woman-owned strategy and communications firm that helps businesses to  realize sustainability goals; develop and share impact stories; and,  foster deeper relationships with key stakeholders, internally and  externally. Follow her on social at @StephTHornback or visit  www.hornbackpartners.com.