Saving energy

In 2023, the University consumed 73,722,186 kWh of electricity. As part of our commitment to decarbonisation, the University has steadily increased the percentage of certified carbonzero electricity. While the overall consumption of electricity is 4% above the 2019 baseline, the consumption of reticulated gas (kWh) has been reduced by 3%. 

Carbon emissions for the overall category of energy and fuel have dropped 21% from 2019. This is partly associated with increasing 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 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 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.