A Home for 500 Animal Species: Energy Efficiency for the Zoo, Visitors, and Wildlife
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How A1 Digital Energy Insight Helps Haus des Meeres Operate a Historic Building Sustainably and Smartly
The Haus des Meeres in Vienna has become one of the city’s most popular attractions in recent years. Visitor numbers have grown from around 300,000 in 2008 to over 1 million today. Approximately 10,000 animals representing more than 500 species now live in the former anti-aircraft tower, cared for by 140 employees. As the facility has grown, numerous new attractions have been added, such as the Tropical House and the shark tank on the fifth floor. Growth on this scale requires a partner who can support this development and enable stable, reliable progress.
Today, the Haus des Meeres has a visitor area of approximately 6,000 square meters, which includes the zoo, event spaces, and the dining area. This diversity of uses also places high demands on day-to-day operations—particularly with regard to energy consumption and sustainability, an issue that has become significantly more important in recent years.
Intelligent Energy Management with A1 Digital Energy Insight
The operating costs of such a diverse visitor experience are largely determined by energy consumption: ventilation, pumps, lighting, and food service must be precisely coordinated. With A1 Digital Energy Insight, the Haus des Meeres gains a smart look behind the scenes.
The solution makes it possible to analyze specific areas of the facility in detail and implement concrete optimization measures based on energy consumption—particularly in the zoo with its aquariums and tropical greenhouses, in the food service areas, and in the visitor spaces. With 1.1 million guests per year, climate control and air quality are crucial factors for both animal welfare and the visitor experience.
Specifically, A1 Digital Energy Insight offers:
- Transparent savings potential—without compromising animal welfare or visitor comfort
- Early detection of anomalies—risks and malfunctions are identified precisely and in a timely manner
- Easy integration – sensor technology and visualization from a single source, even without an in-house IT department
This enables data-driven, sustainable decisions to be made and the full potential of the historic Flakturm to be realized.
Hans Köppen, Managing Director of Haus des Meeres: “With A1 Digital’s Energy Insight solution, we’re able to operate our historic building in an energy-efficient and sustainable manner. By simply implementing innovative technologies, we’re creating real added value for our guests, the animal world, and the future of our institution.”
More Than Just a Zoo Visit
Today, Haus des Meeres is far more than just a zoo. The unique atmosphere inside the former anti-aircraft tower, the spectacular view of Vienna, and the variety of attractions ensure that visitors don’t just experience a traditional zoo visit—they often spend an entire half-day enjoying a wide range of activities at Haus des Meeres. With A1 Digital Energy Insight, the Haus des Meeres is laying the groundwork to continue operating this experiential space in an energy-efficient and sustainable manner well into the future.
