Caring for penguins and the planet
Find out how Penguin Cove's innovative eco-friendly practices help the environment
Nature's shield to heat
Turning raindrops into resources
Recycling at its coolest
Saving watts with smart tech
Soaking up sunshine
Keeping cool in the shadows
The roof collects rainwater which is stored in an underground tank for non-potable uses including irrigation and cleaning.
A vegetated roof and facade provide natural cooling for the building. Not having windows also prevents sunlight and heat from entering.
The roof is host to 90 solar panels, which have been operational since 2023 and contributes up to 3 per cent of the building's total energy use.
Water from the penguin exhibit is put through a life support system – made up of a collection of chillers and filters for air and water – before being pumped back into the exhibit. This ensures minimal wastage of water.
The high-tech air-conditioning system taps magnetic-bearing chillers that use about 40 per cent less energy than conventional ones. Such chillers can operate without oil to lubricate spinning parts, and cut energy loss from friction.
Approximately 60 per cent of the Penguin Cove is shaded by higher ground from other parts of Bird Paradise, reducing the amount of air-conditioning needed to keep the temperature at 9 to 11 deg C for the penguins.
A vegetated roof and facade provide cooling. Not having windows also prevents sunlight and heat from entering.
The high-tech air-conditioning system taps magnetic-bearing chillers that use about 40% less energy than conventional ones.
