This paper first discusses a path to zero energy for the Akron Zoo campus that may be a model for other commercial facilities. This path includes aggressive energy-efficiency combined with on-site renewable energy installations. Next, the analysis focuses on major implementation constraints, particularly on limited usable space for renewable energy generation. Further, economic comparisons between energy-efficiency and renewable energy are used to determine optimal economic decisions. Next it presents analysis of possible energy efficiency opportunities and how researchers arrived at unexpected conclusions. Finally, this paper presents conclusions that support the Akron Zoo’s capability to achieve zero energy status.