CHESTER Zoo’s maintenance manager Ray Morrison has been shortlisted for ESTA Energy Manager of the Year award, as part of the prestigious national Sustainabilitylive! awards.

The nomination came after Ray successfully led the zoo’s Energy Conservation Programme which massively reduced the energy used in buildings around the zoo.

Ray has been shortlisted alongside four other UK companies, after a competitive selection process.

Projects at the elephant, penguin and jaguar enclosures have been particularly admired and led to the zoo reducing its carbon footprint by around 200 metric tonnes.

Electricity consumption associated with heating and cooling the elephant house has been reduced by 82% and energy used to clean the penguin pool has been reduced by around 60%.

Ray Morrison said: “This project has unarguably been a success. We have addressed energy consumption at several areas of the site and have completed our first solar power scheme, meaning we now have both solar electric and solar thermal schemes here on site.

“Being up against huge names such as McDonald’s and Heathrow Airport is a real achievement.

“Our team has work tirelessly on these projects and we are honoured to be shortlisted for the award.”

Not all efforts made by Ray and his team have been hi tech. Every door on the rhino enclosure was fitted with thermal curtains which act as draft excluders.

These still allow the rhinos to access the outside areas while also minimising heat loss from the inside.

The awards include 11 categories in environment, land, energy and sustainability and highlight the latest innovations in sustainable business practice.

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WELL MANAGED: Chester Zoo’s Ray Morrison has been shortlisted for ESTA Energy Manager of the Year awards. PCH ZZ150410RAY