Page 7 - PDZA Sustainable Aquarium Brochure

IDENTIFYING THE BIGGEST TARGETS

Our early analysis identified the biggest targets support systems are designed independently
for energy efficiency to be the life support system, of the HVAC. In addition, the air-to-water heat
the HVAC system and the lighting system. pump allowed us to eliminate the water use
of a cooling tower and to eliminate gas from
For the life support system, (LSS), we found drum the building completely. This paves the way
filtration, which is still considered an alternative for future connectivity to alternative renewable
system, to be the best choice. When configured power sources and the potential for a net zero
properly, it uses less energy, water and space than energy aquarium.
a traditional sand filtration system. For ultimate
energy efficiency, drum filtration systems need As for lighting, the ideal viewing condition for most
to be located above exhibit tanks at the right tanks is a black box with the light emanating from
elevation. As such, they benefit from gravity and, the tank. In the past, this meant inefficient tank
because they aren’t pressurized, use less energy lighting that also added heat to the water that had
for pumping. Often, facilities use sand filtration to be removed by chilling. Recent improvements in
systems because they can be located anywhere in LED tank lighting—including resistance to corrosion,
the facility. By working the drum filtration system improved color control and energy efficiency— have
early into the aquarium design, we could take helped solve this problem. Wherever possible, we
advantage of this innovative technology where also brought daylight into back of house spaces
many aquariums don’t have space in the right and into public areas. These strategies, paired with
locations. Although it has a limited record of use lighting controls, allowed us to significantly reduce
in large aquariums this is not a new technology lighting energy demands.
just an innovative installation.
We made other resource efficient improvements,
For the HVAC system, we evaluated three too. For instance, low-flow fixtures, a rainwater
options. We chose an air-to-water heat pump capture system and the use of saltwater for filter
as the most energy efficient and appropriate spray down of the drum filtration system, allowed us
system. By integrating this system with the life to reduce the facility’s potable water use by 67%.
support system, we improved the ability to move
heat around the building. That led to increased These strategies and benefits are explored in
efficiencies and eliminated the duplication of greater detail in the following sections.
heating and cooling that often occurs when life

RESOURCE EFFICIENT IMPROVEMENTS

Datlighting

Low flow fixtures Daylight to back of house spaces and public areas
significantly reduced lighting energy demands

Rainwater capture
system HVAC system
Air to water heat pump was chosen as the most
energy efficient and appropriate system

CASE STUDY: THE PACIFIC SEAS AQUARIUM AT POINT DEFIANCE ZOO & AQUARIUM 7