See how wienerberger is supporting Chester Zoo’s groundbreaking Heart of Africa exhibit with sustainable, locally-sourced sandstone in this NBS spotlight.
2 June 2025
Committing to sustainability is about so much more than your own products and systems. Brick manufacturer wienerberger understands this, investing in partnerships that aim to create a better future for all. In this NBS spotlight, we take a look at how wienerberger has helped Chester Zoo create greener habitats within its ambitious Heart of Africa exhibit…
Demonstrating a deep commitment to biodiversity, wienerberger has donated over 15 tonnes of locally-sourced sandstone to support the construction of Chester Zoo’s largest ever habitat.
Chester Zoo is the UK’s most popular zoo and is renowned for its global conservation efforts. The new Heart of Africa exhibit spans 22.5 acres (approximately 17 full football pitches) and houses 57 iconic African species, including giraffes, zebras, and meerkats.
Let’s take a closer look at how wienerberger’s sustainable materials have helped shape new visitor experiences within the Heart of Africa…
Local supplies used in spectacular exhibit
Sourcing local materials helps minimise carbon emissions and promote sustainable practices. For Chester Zoo’s new habitat, wienerberger has donated 15 tonnes of sandstone sourced from its Mouselow Quarry in Glossop.
Further recognising a need to support native UK wildlife and biodiversity within the zoo environment, wienerberger also provided a selection of nesting and roosting boxes from its eco-habitat range. These bird and bat boxes offer a safe refuge for native species, such as swifts, swallows, and sparrows, within the zoo’s grounds.
This latest project further develops the relationship between wienerberger and Chester Zoo, with the manufacturer having previously donated over 600 tonnes of sandstone for the snow leopard enclosure, constructed in 2024.
Showing commitment to biodiversity
Although manufacturers can demonstrate the sustainability of their products within NBS Source, this story of partnership from wienerberger shows us the value of looking beyond one's own internal practices.
By partnering with Chester Zoo to supply locally-sourced materials and nesting boxes, wienerberger has helped boost biodiversity, reduce carbon emissions, and ultimately create areas which will help educate the public on the importance of wildlife conservation.
The wienerberger team commented about the ongoing relationship: “We look forward to continuing our work with Chester Zoo as they inspire millions of visitors each year to take action for wildlife, in the UK and around the world.”
Specifiers who want to prioritise working with manufacturers that show true commitment to sustainability can view wienerberger’s product range in NBS Source.
