AEP AND THE COLUMBUS ZOO AND AQUARIUM PARTNER TO REDUCE ENERGY USE
Media Alert: Thursday, June 12, 2008
AEP AND THE COLUMBUS ZOO AND AQUARIUM PARTNER TO REDUCE ENERGY USE
POWELL, Ohio— The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium will convert its annual Wildlights lighting display to energy-saving light-emitting diode (LED) lights from incandescent lights with a $363,000 gift from American Electric Power (AEP).
“This partnership with AEP is important to the Zoo’s efforts to become ‘green’ in our programs,” said Gerald Borin, Executive Director of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. “Using less energy will save electricity and reduce carbon output.”
The conversion of approximately 2 million lights to LED lights could reduce Wildlights’ energy consumption by at least 85 percent, AEP estimates. This process will occur over two years, and AEP will become the Presenting Sponsor of Wildlights.
The event is open for 40 nights starting in late November and attracts more than 160,000 visitors annually.
“AEP is delighted to provide funding for the conversion project and to encourage the Zoo’s energy efficiency efforts,” said Robert Powers, President – AEP Utilities and a member of the Zoo’s Board of Directors. “Visitors to the Wildlights display will learn how they can save energy and lower their costs at home while helping the environment.”
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $7 for children ages 2 to 9 and senior citizens 60+. Free for children younger than 2 and Columbus Zoo members. For additional information please visit www.columbuszoo.org. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you and a better future for all living things. With it’s more than 200 accredited members, AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation, and your link to helping animals in their native habitats. For more information, visit www.aza.org.
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