ChimpHaven: A “GoodUse” for the World’s Largest Chimpanzee Sanctuary
At Southface Institute, we work to advance sustainable solutions that benefit both people and the planet. Sometimes, sustainability reaches unexpected places—like the remarkable chimpanzees at Chimp Haven, a sanctuary dedicated to providing retired and rescued chimps with safe, enriching homes.
Through our Good Use program, we partnered with Chimp Haven to help reduce their utility costs, allowing more resources to be directed toward the care of these incredible animals. Our team conducted an ASHRAE Level 2 Assessment focused on their utility systems, identifying opportunities to optimize HVAC performance, update lighting, and improve overall building operations.
These energy efficiency improvements have lowered Chimp Haven’s energy bills without compromising the chimps’ comfort or quality of life. The savings generated are reinvested into the sanctuary—supporting enclosure upgrades, enrichment activities, and the space and safety the chimps need to thrive.
Chimp Haven is home to chimpanzees of all ages, many enjoying their retirement with new friendships and playful social interactions. By enhancing building operations, Good Use helps ensure that the sanctuary can provide a healthy, stimulating environment for these animals.
Erin Gallagher, Southface’s Good Use Program Director, emphasizes the importance of this work: “The Good Use program is a light for facilities with amazing missions like Chimp Haven, in giving chimps a safe place to live.”
This partnership highlights how sustainable energy use can create a ripple effect—saving resources while enriching the lives of those who depend on them most. With Good Use, energy efficiency isn’t just good for the planet; it’s good for the chimps.