Saving energy

In 2022, the University consumed 67,966,871 kWh of electricity. As part of its commitment to decarbonisation, the University increased the percentage of carbon certified electricity from October 2022. A total of 9,840,325 kWh were carbonZero certified. In addition, the University purchased 30,442,857 kWh NZECS certificates covering the period of January to December 2022.

The consumption of reticulated gas (kWh) has been reduced by over 7.5% and the overall consumption of electricity (kWh) was 4.3% lower than the 2019 baseline. In terms of carbon emissions for the overall category of energy and fuel, the drop was 23%. This drop is partly associated with the increase in the procurement of carbonZero certified electricity.

The University has been monitoring, measuring and working to reduce energy use for 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 2022, the University increased the portion of certified carbon zero electricity supply to ~50% and continued to utilise Renewable Energy Certificates on the remaining procured electricity.

By procuring 100% electricity with some form of carbon neutrality association, the University formally expresses its commitment to clean energy and support to phase out fossil fuel use in electricity generation in Aotearoa.