ROYAL OAK, Mich., Aug. 22, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The Detroit
Zoological Society (DZS) took a major step forward on its "Green
Journey" today, announcing that the Detroit Zoo will be powered by
100% Michigan-made renewable
energy through DTE Energy's MIGreenPower program. The move
will offset 7,425 metric tons of carbon dioxide, which is
equivalent to the carbon sequestered by 8,740 acres of U.S. forests
in one year and is part of the DZS "Greenprint" strategic plan to
continuously decrease the environmental impact of its operations.
DTE will source the renewable energy from three new wind parks that
will come online in late 2020.
MIGreenPower is a voluntary renewable energy program that helps
DTE electric customers reduce their carbon footprint and support
the development of additional wind and solar energy projects in
Michigan. Enrolled customers can
customize their participation and attribute up to 100% of their
energy use to local wind farms and solar parks.
"Our commitment to sustainability is integrated into everything
we do, from our environmentally responsible operations to our
community-wide education programs," said Ron Kagan, DZS executive director and CEO.
"Joining MIGreenPower is a major step forward for us, as our power
needs significantly exceed what we can produce on-site. This
program helps reduce our carbon footprint while also supporting
local, Michigan-made renewable
energy."
The DZS has won four green awards for its sustainability
initiatives and achievements and is a nationally recognized leader
in environmental education. Sustainable design features at the
Detroit Zoo include permeable pavement that diverts rainwater from
the storm water drains, an anaerobic digester (the first zoo-based
system of its kind) that converts herbivore animal waste and food
scraps into compost and energy, and the use of solar/electric
hybrid golf carts and bicycles for on-site transportation. The
Detroit Zoo is also the first zoo in the country to install a
Smartflower, an all-in-one ground-mounted solar panel system that
generates more than 4,000 kilowatts of electricity annually.
Waste reduction is also a key aspect of the DZS's "Green
Journey." The zoo has eliminated the sale of single-use plastic
water bottles as well as the use of plastic bags, straws, and lids.
The DZS has also worked with DTE to complete energy efficiency
upgrades in more than 50 of the Zoo's buildings and to install
Zoo-wide LED lighting.
"We are excited to welcome the Detroit Zoological Society to
MIGreenPower as we all work together to protect our planet for our
children and future generations," said Jerry Norcia, president and CEO, DTE Energy. "The Zoo joins other well-known
Michigan institutions including
Ford, General Motors and the University of
Michigan, and more than 8,300 individual residential and
business customers who are using MIGreenPower to make a positive
impact on the environment. This program provides an efficient way
to power the Zoo with 100% renewable energy."
MIGreenPower offers DTE customers some important advantages over
individual clean energy options. It eliminates the hassle of owning
and maintaining additional exterior equipment, and it is less
expensive than installing a private rooftop solar system. DTE's
MIGreenPower program is on track to be one of the largest voluntary
renewable energy programs in the country.
DTE first launched MIGreenPower in April
2017 and introduced an expanded version of the program for
large corporate and industrial customers in January. It is part of
the company's commitment to reduce carbon emissions 80% by 2040.
DTE is developing additional MIGreenPower programs to meet diverse
customer needs.
About Detroit Zoological Society
The Detroit
Zoological Society – a renowned leader in humane education,
wildlife conservation, animal welfare and environmental
sustainability – operates the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature
Center. With an annual regional economic impact of more than
$167 million, the Detroit Zoo in
Royal Oak is one of Michigan's largest paid family attractions,
hosting more than 1.3 million visitors annually. Its 125
acres of naturalistic habitats are home to 2,600 animals
representing 228 species. The Belle Isle Nature Center sits
on a 5-acre site surrounded by undisturbed forested wetlands on
Belle Isle State Park in Detroit. It provides year-round
educational, recreational and environmental conservation
opportunities for the community.
About DTE Energy
DTE Energy (NYSE: DTE) is
a Detroit-based diversified energy company involved in the
development and management of energy-related businesses and
services nationwide. Its operating units include an electric
company serving 2.2 million customers in Southeast
Michigan and a natural gas company serving 1.3 million
customers in Michigan. The DTE portfolio includes energy
businesses focused on power and industrial projects, renewable
natural gas, natural gas pipelines, gathering and storage, and
energy marketing and trading. As an environmental leader, DTE will
reduce carbon dioxide and methane emissions by more than 80 percent
by 2040 to produce cleaner energy while keeping it safe,
reliable and affordable. DTE is committed to serving with its
energy through volunteerism, education and employment
initiatives, philanthropy and economic progress. Information
about DTE is available at dteenergy.com, empoweringmichigan.com,
twitter.com/dte_energy and facebook.com.
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SOURCE DTE Energy