Saving energy
Key energy statistics for 2023
| Energy | 2019 quantity (kWh) | 2023 quantity (kWh) | % change since baseline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total electricity purchased | 70,987,977 | 73,722,186 | 4% |
| Electricity Toitū carbonzero certified | 808,493 | 41,772,158 | 5067% |
| Purchased electricity | 70,179,484 | 31,950,028 | -54% |
| NZ Energy Certificates purchased | 0 | 31,950,028 | N/A |
| Natural gas | 26,427,303 | 25,532,358 | -3% |
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 carbon certified 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.
Our energy saving story
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.
Our approach
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 carbon zero 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.
What you can do
- Turn off the lights if you're going to leave the office for more than 10 minutes.
- Switch off lights in other areas when you can see that they are not needed.
- Turn off computer screens that are not in use.
- When you're leaving for the day, turn both your personal computer and your screen off.
- Make sure that energy-saving modes are operating on all types of electronic equipment.
- If you're the last to leave the office, turn off lights, printers and photocopiers.
- Report faulty and energy intensive equipment by filling out a maintenance request.