SDG #7 Affordable and Clean Energy

Energy efficiency and carbon reduction

To meet our commitment of becoming carbon neutral by 2030 we are carrying out actions and activities across our campuses. We continue to upgrade buildings to increase energy efficiency and reduce our energy consumption.

In 2021 we installed 50 smart meters at our Hamilton campus providing targeted real-time insights into electricity use and identify energy waste and reduced carbon emissions by 56% (against a 2019 baseline).

Also in 2021, the University secured funding for a low-emissions chiller and LED lighting upgrade at our Hamilton campus which will reduce emissions by 34T per year. We also secured funding for a new Biofuel hot water boiler and CO² heat pumps for our student accommodation which will reduce emissions by 8.6T per year.

Building a sustainable campus

Energy efficiency is addressed through multiple means in the University of Waikato building and design Property Services Standard Brief. Reviewed in 2021, the brief applies to new construction projects as well as the refurbishment of existing buildings. Site orientation, ventilation, control systems, fuel choice, and varied monitoring are just some of the measures the brief covers in terms of energy efficiency, so we can best meet our sustainability goals.

The Pā construction has seen many of our goals put into practice, we are particularly pleased with the specialist windows which will result in heightened thermal performance. Quality management and site control are also outlined as important factors, and they allow us to apply energy saving practices from site conception. Furthermore, the ongoing use and life of the structure is to be considered and monitored for achieving optimal energy efficiency.