Engineering Council Raises $19,000 for New Asian Tropics Project at Denver Zoo

Colorado engineers raise $19,000 for the Asian Tropics exhibit at the Denver Zoo, a new feature that may become the first LEED-certified animal exhibit complex in the nation.

ACEC/CO president and major sponsors present Denver Zoo President and CEO with a check for $19,000 raised by ACEC/CO membership at a fundraiser to benefit the new Asian Tropics project. (Pictured left to right) Peter Nelson, P L Nelson Engineering Inc.; Lauren Evans, ACEC/CO president, Pinyon Environmental Engineering Resources Inc.; Craig Piper, president and CEO, Denver Zoo; and Bill Green, The RMH Group Inc.

Photo courtesy of ACEC/CO

The American Council of Engineering Cos. of Colorado raised $19,000 at its “Engineers Gone Wild” members evening at the Denver Zoo to support Asian Tropics, the zoo’s next major project.

The total contribution will be more than $38,000 because of a dollar-for-dollar match provided by a zoo improvement bond approved by voters in 1999.

Designed as an environmentally conscious, sustainable animal exhibit, Asian Tropics will follow the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED system and may become the first major animal exhibit complex to be LEED-certified. The project will incorporate a variety of sustainable features such as the use of recycled water, efficient HVAC systems and natural daylighting and ventilation.

The zoo will also utilize a biomass gasification system, which will heat and power portions of the Asian Tropics exhibit by converting zoo animal waste and the trash left by 1.7 million visitors annually into usable energy implemented through engineering innovations.

Lauren Evans, president of ACEC/CO’s board of directors, along with main sponsors of the event P L Nelson Engineering Inc. and The RMH Group Inc. presented Denver Zoo President/CEO Craig Piper with a check for $19,000 to support the 10-acre Asian Tropics project. When complete, the exhibit will serve as a conservation center and house highly endangered Asian species, including elephants, Indian rhinos and Malayan tapirs.

“As a council, we decided to support an area organization that is incorporating engineering innovations,” Evans said to the more than 300 engineering industry attendees on hand for the special social event at the zoo. “This zoo exhibit will highlight engineering that helps create a safe, energy-efficient environment for animals, zoo keepers and visitors.”

The zoo event continues the council’s commitment of giving back to the community, initiated during its 50th anniversary in 2006 when funds were raised to benefit the restoration of a uniquely engineered landmark, the Boettcher Tropical Conservatory at Denver Botanic Gardens.

“Engineers are innovators and problem solvers and have enhanced the lives of billions of people,” Evans said. “It is important that people know that engineers are involved in almost every aspect of our lives from the roads we drive on to accessing energy and water, building safe structures where we live, work and play including zoos.”

She also emphasized that although the work engineers perform is often “behind the scenes,” our quality of life the health, safety and public welfare depend on this critical work force.

“As engineers, we commend the Denver Zoo for its vision and continued commitment to conservation and stewardship of resources,” Evans said. “On behalf of the American Council of Engineering Cos. of Colorado, we are honored to contribute to the creation of this wonderful habitat.”

“Preserving wildlife around the world requires creative scientists and engineers,” said Piper, in accepting ACEC’s contribution. “We hope Asian Tropics and other Denver Zoo exhibits and programs will inspire young people to pursue careers where they can help solve challenges for both people and our environment. As a conservation organization, it’s also important to all of us at Denver Zoo that we provide leadership to operate in an environmentally responsible way,” he added.

The zoo plans to break ground on the Asian Tropics project in 2009, with projected completion in 2011.