Saving energy

In 2024, the University consumed just under 97 million kilowatt hours of energy in the form of electricity or natural gas. The overall consumption of electricity was 6% above the 2019 baseline, while the consumption of reticulated natural gas was 19% lower. Accommodation buildings account for 16% of the total electricity and 25% of the total natural gas consumption. 

The University supported renewable energy supply by purchasing the majority of its electricity from carbonzero certified sources (66%), alongside renewable energy certificates equivalent to the quantity of electricity consumed from other sources. In October, the University completed its full transition to 100% carbonzero certified sources.

2024 also marked the launch of onsite solar generation at our B201 building. 

The University has been monitoring, measuring and working to reduce energy use for over 40 years. We save energy by including energy-efficient operating plant, lighting and equipment in our buildings, by using motion and light sensors, by encouraging staff and students to save energy by turning off lights and equipment when not in use, and by enabling energy saving defaults/sleep modes on computing and other equipment.

After energy consumption decreased considerably in the 1980s and remained relatively steady in the 1990s, a period of extended operating hours, more leased buildings and increased IT needs contributed to an exponential increase from the late 1990s to mid-2000s. This increase was halted by intensively engaging senior leaders, decision-makers, and staff and students in energy saving initiatives. The mid-2000s heralded the start of a significant building programme including mainly medical, science and engineering buildings, which tend to be more energy intensive than others.

The University is committed to engaging and influencing suppliers to improve the carbon performance of the energy it requires for its activities. In October 2023, the University increased the portion of certified carbonzero electricity supply to 57%, and utilised Renewable Energy Certificates on the remaining procured electricity. As of October 2024, 100% of our electricity is sourced from Toitū carbonzero certified suppliers. This formally expresses our commitment to clean energy and supporting the phasing out of fossil fuel use in electricity generation in Aotearoa. 

When it comes to the design and maintenance of our estate, our new sustainable design and delivery guidelines, published in 2024, emphasise the following for energy: 

• Phase out fossil fuels and prioritise renewable energy sources for all projects. 
• Assess and report on the suitability of solar domestic hot water, photovoltaic cells, wind turbines, geothermal heat pumps and installations to harness renewable or low emissions energy.
• Develop whole-project energy models to inform design, provide input to lifecycle cost analysis, and assist with cost analysis and carbon projections. Models must include scenarios of key variables (e.g., fluctuations in temperature, occupancy and hours of operations) and the feasibility of effective metering technology. 
• Include building envelope related improvements to reduce energy demand, increase thermal comfort, maximise daylight and views and address glare. 
• Set stringent energy efficiency standards for all mechanical and electrical systems, ensuring they exceed local building codes and are in line with international best practice.