The Como Park Zoo & Conservatory is the largest energy user in St. Paul’s portfolio, with energy costs surpassing $1 million per year. Partnered with the U.S. Department of Energy, the City of Saint Paul, Honeywell, and Darcy Solutions, the Zoo installed a 293-ton, four-well GeoHC system serving the Primates, Polar Bear, and Administration buildings. The geothermal system provides heating and cooling to the buildings’ hydronic systems, supplies chilled water, and ensures plenty of domestic hot water.

The project was funded by congressionally directed spending through the U.S. Department of Energy, the State of Minnesota’s bonding funds, and the City of Saint Paul’s Common Cent Program. The “Common Cent” is a voter-approved, one-cent increase in the local sales tax and is estimated to collect $1 billion over 20 years, with funds being invested into improvements to the city’s regionally significant roads and nationally acclaimed parks and recreation facilities.