Reducing carbon emissions
Waipapa Taumata Rau University of Auckland has a long history of energy and water efficiency, as well as waste reduction. We have been monitoring and managing utilities and waste since 1979 and can successfully demonstrate positive progress.
Taumata Teitei – Vision 2030 and Strategic Plan 2025 outlines a commitment to achieve net-zero carbon status and to publish meaningful metrics of the University’s progress towards overall sustainability. In 2019, the Sustainability team, part of Property Services, set the bar high with regard to carbon emissions measurement and reduction by preparing the first carbon emissions inventory aligned with latest international standards ISO14064-1:2018.
Since then, we have continued to prepare and externally verify our annual greenhouse gas emissions inventories. These have been audited by Toitū and we are proud to announce that Waipapa Taumata Rau University of Auckland (including Auckland Uniservices Limited, all campuses and operational emissions) is Toitū Carbonreduce organisation certified and that we have received highest level of assurance for all required measures of carbon.
Summary of verified emissions 2019-2021
The total emissions in 2021 were 16,635.21 tCO2e, which is 15% lower than the 2020 total of 19,579.56 tCO2e and 80% lower than the base year (2019) total of 81,290.06 tCO2e. A reduction in emissions intensity of 14.27 tCO2e/$M has been achieved (based upon a 3-year rolling average).
The University’s pathway to Net Zero carbon emissions
We measured the carbon emissions resulting from our operational activities, purchased energy, and selected impacts from our value chain activities, including work related travel, and waste. We have also looked at emissions from the air travel our international students undertake when they choose to study with us in Aotearoa.
The overall purpose of the baseline audit in 2019 was to inform the development of the University's Net-Zero Carbon Strategy and associated Sustainable Estate and Operations Plan. The main objective was to identify the Greenhouse Gas emissions profile of the University in a manner that was consistent with best practice and latest international standards and, most importantly, in a way that helps us identify effective reduction opportunities.
Read the reports
What you can do
- If you live relatively close take the opportunity to get some exercise by walking, jogging or cycling to and from the University.
- Support public transport by catching a bus, train or ferry, wherever possible.
- If you have no choice but to use a car to get to work, share a ride with friends, family, co-workers or students.
- Take part in tree planting activities – get a group of colleagues or friends together and set up your own group or join an existing one to help plant and nurture native plants.
- Avoid heavily packaged items
- Rethink your modes and frequency of travel