Carbon reduction projects

Air travel projects

University-wide (completed) 
  • Environmental and carbon principles were integrated into the travel policy, to raise awareness of Net Zero commitments, encourage fewer flights and lower-carbon travel options.
University-wide (completed) 
  • An Air Travel Dossier was created in the internal Enterprise Management System, to assist managers with decision-making about air travel.

Energy and fuel projects

Old Choral Hall redevelopment (in progress)
  • Plans for consented gas and heating systems were changed to reflect Net-Zero carbon aspirations. The building will not have gas as a heating source.
Building 201 redevelopment (completed)
  • Natural gas consumption was eliminated on-site. Cooling, heating, and domestic hot water demands are met with electric heat pumps.
  • All large chillers and heat pumps use refrigerants with low and zero global warming potential.
  • Photovoltaic arrays provide 10% of the building's energy. In the first three months of monitoring, the PV arrays have generated 38,560 kWh of electricity, making up 10.83% of the building’s total electricity usage.
  • Low-emissions double-glazed insulating glass unit, with a spectrally selective coating minimises solar gain, whilst providing high levels of daylight. Provides both a 70% reduction in solar gains and halves the building's annual heating demand. 
  • New building envelope reduces the building's energy consumption by over 25%, and targets an air permeability rate of 5.0m3/hr/m2 at 50Pa.
  • End-of-trip facilities are available to support cycling and walking.   
School of Music B250 (completed)
  • Decarbonised as part of the B201 east power infrastructure upgrade. Cooling, heating, and domestic hot water demands are met through a heat pump system.
  • Annual verified energy savings of 254,937 kWh or $11,409 or 51.96 tCO2-eq.
Waipapa Marae B252 (completed) 
  • All gas heating and kitchen equipment was replaced with electric.
  • Efficient underfloor heating and new LED light fittings were installed.
Owen G Glenn Building B260 (completed)
  • Two of the three main building chillers were modified to be more energy efficient. 
  • Annual savings of 320,866 kWh or $60,000 were achieved.
Recreation Centre B310 (in progress)
  • Plans for consented gas and heating systems were changed to reflect Net-Zero carbon aspirations. The building will not have gas as a heating source.
Medical and Health Science Buildings B501, B505 (completed)
  • Lecture theatre lighting was upgraded and converted to high efficiency lighting devices. 
Symonds Centre B620 (completed)
  • End of trip facilities - three showers, a drying room, lockers and powerpoints - were added to support cyclists at the end of their commute.
Decarbonising electricity (completed)
  • Increased the procurement of certified carbonzero electricity to >50%. 

Waste prevention projects

Old Choral Hall redevelopment (in progress)
  • The project was included in our first phase of construction and demolition waste assessment and monitoring, via contractor engagement.
  • Total waste generated: 803 tonnes. 490 tonnes (61%) recovered, 313 tonnes sent to landfill (39%).
Building 201 redevelopment (completed)
  • The project was included in our first phase of construction and demolition waste assessment and monitoring, via contractor engagement. 
  • Total waste generated: 7,124 tonnes. 6,432 tonnes (90%) recovered, 706 tonnes sent to landfill (10%).
Waipapa Marae B252 (completed) 
  • Used equipment re-homed via online auction to avoid waste to landfill. 
University-wide furniture (in progress) 
  • A formalised process is being socialised throughout facilities managers to encourage repurposing and rehoming furniture and other materials from decants and refurbishment projects, to reduce waste to landfill. 
University-wide printing (ongoing) 
  • 'Follow Me' printing has been enabled across our campuses since 2019. 
  • Print jobs must be activated at the printer, via a Campus Card, eliminating unnecessary printing and waste.
University-wide events (completed) 
  • A Sustainable Events Guide and associated checklist is available on our website and integrated into event planning processes, to encourage circular practices and to avoid waste to landfill. 
  • Guidelines have been shared internally to limit the quantity of pizzas allowed to be ordered in catering, to limit pizza box waste.

Water efficiency projects

Building 201 redevelopment (in progress)
  • The predicted water consumption is 75% less than a standard building, achieved by a combination of air source heat rejection, rainwater harvesting and high performance sanitary fixtures and fittings. Potable water demand is expected to be reduced by over 80%. 

Landscaping and garden projects

Wynyard Street landscaping (in progress)
  • A sustainable streetscaping project to prioritise people and biodiversity over cars
  • Increases biodiversity through a range of native plantings and integration of a planted lung which includes a rain garden.
  • Improves the resilience of the estate infrastructure, with underground service routes and future-proofed stormwater drainage. 
Newmarket landscaping (in progress)
  • New design includes tree planting, covered and uncovered new seating and a raised boardwalk.
  • Design decisions significantly reduce impervious surfaces, enable stormwater treatment, and improve flood resilience, shade and biodiversity. 
University community garden (in progress)
  • At the feasibility and concept design phase.

Related links