Page 30 - PDZA Sustainable Aquarium Brochure

A PATH TO NET ZERO

Despite the aquarium’s many advances in terms of In terms of the Net Zero Energy pursuit, a solar
sustainability, we did not incorporate everything roof installation, for example, was evaluated but
we initially considered. We explored an aquarium not chosen for cost reasons. The building does
that was Net Zero Water (using no potable water); have a path to net zero carbon by adding on-site
they key to achieving that at this location would renewable energy sources such as solar thermal
have relied on: collecting rainwater and treating it and photovoltaics in combination with Tacoma
to potable standards; collecting all the graywater Power’s continued efforts to reduce the grid’s
and blackwater then using a waste water treatment carbon footprint. We hope the innovations at the
strategy (i.e. a Membrane Bio Reactors or a Living New Pacific Seas Aquarium are just the beginning
Machine); and using non-potable water for flushing and that we and others can build on this work to
fixtures and irrigation. The costs were prohibitive, in make all aquariums more sustainable.
large part due to the blackwater treatment system.
While we would not require potable water from the
local public utility, we would still require a waste line
connection to the district waste treatment system.
The Sankey diagram in Figure 17 illustrates the
NZW concept.

Figure 17—Net Zero Potable Water System Site Water Flow Sankey Diagram

30 AQUARIUM OF THE SUSTAINABLE FUTURE: PUBLIC FACILITIES DESIGNED TO EMBODY CONSERVATION