News and Stories

Receives Platinum Award for Encouraging Environmental Excellence

CINCINNATI, OH (December 21, 2020) –  The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden continues to earn its title of Greenest Zoo in America, having recently received a Platinum level Encouraging Environmental Excellence (E3) award from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for modeling its comprehensive sustainability efforts.

            “This award means a lot.  It recognizes that our work in the sustainability arena, from recycling to solar power to stormwater management, is influencing others to adapt and adopt new behaviors in order to reduce their carbon footprint,” said Cincinnati Zoo’s vice president of facilities and sustainability, Mark Fisher. “It also feels great to help our neighbors and the environment at the same time.”

The Zoo was one of only four organizations in Ohio to achieve Platinum level E3 honors this year. This top level of recognition requires an organization to expand its environmental program beyond its facility and demonstrate how its environmental stewardship efforts benefit the community.

“Through recycling efforts, waste-reduction processes, renewable energy programs, and sustainability programs, these companies are making a major impact in their communities,” Ohio EPA Director Laurie A. Stevenson said.

Cincinnati Zoo won for providing 100 percent of its electricity needs through renewable energy; After School Green Team program for neighborhood families; horticulture assistance with local park landscaping and pollinator gardens; and a program updating residential and public spaces to LED lighting.

Visit Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden during the holiday season to see 4 million LED lights shine bright during PNC Festival of Lights.