THANK YOU.  REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED.

Sustainability leaders in Houston affiliated with AIAH COTE and USGBC are cordially invited to join a special ecotour at the Houston Zoo and stay afterwards to enjoy Zoo Lights presented by TXU Energy.

Date:  December 18

Time: 4pm

Space is limited

Through a coordinated strategy of master planning, design and construction, with education and outreach, the Houston Zoo has strengthened its sustainable infrastructure and operations by implementing comprehensive plans for its physical facilities. For nearly 100 years, the Houston Zoo has been an integral part of the fabric of Houston and become a beloved piece of the City's history, but as the city and our region have changed over time, the Houston Zoo has needed to adapt accordingly. During the planning process of its new exhibits, Houston Zoo staff collaborated with its partners at the City of Houston and neighboring Hermann Park Conservancy to improve infrastructure resilience. In May 2019, the Texas Wetlands exhibit opened featuring state-of-the-art water resources infrastructure that allows the exhibit to function as stormwater detention while maintaining a biodiverse habitat for local flora and fauna. In October 2020, South America’s Pantanal opened exhibits designed with sustainable materials, four closed life support water filtration systems with a plant and satellite station, animal night houses with solartubes for natural light, exterior and interior bedrooms, LED lighting as well as building automation and energy efficient technology.

Resilience has been a critical part of the Houston Zoo's operations throughout its history because of its living collection of animals, many of which are endangered species. The safety and security of the animals who live at the Zoo is a priority in all planning efforts, whether it concerns design, staffing, or ongoing operations. When creating our strategic plan, the Houston Zoo carefully engaged all internal stakeholders to ensure that our wildlife benefit from our operations, both inside the zoo and in the wild. A large part of the Zoo's impact is its ability to inspire action to save wildlife through our Take Action initiatives. Employees and guests are encouraged to participate in Take Action initiatives that help them understand the importance of environmental protection and sustainability.

Now with more than 28 LEED GA’s on staff, Houston Zoo sustainability leaders will lead the group through all their recent accomplishments, which will serve to remind us that incremental change is not only possible, but achievable.

This tour is complimentary, and the Zoo Lights tickets are included for this group valid for this day only. Tourgoers will be responsible for their own beverages and snacks afterwards. Parking in the Hermann Park lot G is free, but it is highly encouraged to arrive early to find a spot.