Powering a thriving, low-carbon future
At Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka, the University of Otago, we are proud to lead Aotearoa's transition to a sustainable, low-carbon future. The Energy and Building Controls team is guided by Tī Kōuka: The Sustainability Strategic Framework 2022–2030, to drive innovations that reduce emissions, protect our environment, improve operational efficiency, and create healthier, more inspiring spaces for learning, research, and living.
Energy powers everything we do. By optimising how we use it, we:
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to global climate goals (especially UN SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, and SDG 13: Climate Action)
- Preserve natural resources and honour our responsibility as kaitiaki of this whenua
- Foster comfortable, high-quality environments that support wellbeing, creativity, and collaboration for students, staff, and researchers
This mahi (work) embodies our commitment to embedding sustainability and operational efficiency across campus life, inspiring the next generation of leaders to build a thriving world.
Dunedin Campus energy usage
Our campus energy use reflects the scale of our community and our responsibility to lead change.
Recent averages
| Source | Consumption range |
|---|---|
| Electricity | 45–55 GWh/year (the largest share, ~40%) |
Thermal Energy from Pioneer Energy Centre MTHW (medium-temperature hot water) | 30–40 GWh/year 20–30 GWh/year |
| Biomass | 5–6 GWh/year |
| Gas | 6–10 GWh/year |
| Water | 220,000–280,000 m³/year |
Electricity dominates, powering the equivalent of more than 6,000 average New Zealand homes each year. This footprint drives us to accelerate efficiency; every kWh optimised means fewer emissions and a healthier planet.
Heating: Our biggest source of consumption
The biggest demand is heating, which is essential for teaching, research, and comfort across both heritage and modern buildings. We are proud to lead the shift away from fossil fuels.
Where the energy comes from
We draw from a diverse, increasingly renewable mix:
- On-site solar panels capturing Aotearoa's sunshine for hot water and electricity
- Biomass boilers using sustainable wood chips and pellets, a carbon-neutral alternative that supports local forests and circular economies
- Grid electricity (with growing renewable share nationally)
- Steam and hot water systems, via a District Energy Scheme and supplied from biomass boilers and optimised for efficiency
- Phasing out fossil fuels, we have already fully eliminated coal boilers from our campuses
These choices reduce our reliance on finite resources and model sustainable practice for our community
Improving our energy consumption
What has been achieved
Our collective actions are making a real difference. So far we have:
- Eliminated coal boilers, a big step toward being Net Carbon Zero
- Optimised buildings using advanced analytics to avoid ~5.6 GWh of energy use annually (equivalent to taking hundreds of cars off the road) and to identify equipment failures early, improving reliability and reducing waste.
- Linked room timetabling to BMS heating schedules, so spaces are warmed only when needed, smarter comfort with lower impact
- Prioritised renewable energy sources
- Conducted regular student-led audits that spark fresh ideas and engagement
These actions align with our Net Carbon Zero journey and Tī Kōuka's call for urgent, collective action.
What is being done now
We are continuously innovating to lower emissions and enhance campus life. We achieve this by:
- Installing solar arrays that harness renewable energy and reduce grid dependence
- Integrating smart Building Management Systems (BMS) for precise, responsive control of heating, lighting, and ventilation, energy is used only where and when it is needed.
- Designing new buildings to Green Star standards, embedding sustainability from the ground up, and operating them with the same rigour through smart BMS controls and ongoing performance monitoring.
- Partnering with students on real-world energy audits using live campus data and analytics tools, turning our buildings into living labs that support both operational improvement and learning success
- Partnering externally to maintain systems at peak performance and explore emerging low-carbon technologies
These efforts directly support Tī Kōuka's vision of a thriving, low-carbon university by 2030.
What is planned for the future
Vision to 2030
Under Tī Kōuka, we are building toward a low-carbon, operationally sustainable, and resilient campus: utilising more renewables, implementing smarter systems, eliminating the use of fossil fuels where possible, and fostering community involvement.
Success looks like safe, efficient energy use, dramatically reduced emissions, inspired spaces, a living model of sustainability and a university that proves operational sustainability is possible at scale
Looking ahead
We're expanding solar, where it makes sense, continuously optimising our spaces, and working on phasing out remaining fossil fuels, where we can, all to accelerate our transition and inspire others.
What you can do to save energy
As a part of this movement, every action you do counts toward a more sustainable campus and planet. If you have not already, pleasy try to:
- Close windows/doors when leaving rooms to retain natural warmth
- Switch off lights in unoccupied spaces
- Choose stairs over lifts for short trips
- Layer up on cooler days instead of cranking the heat
- Report any inefficiencies, small fixes create big change
You can also join student-led initiatives, share ideas with the Energy Team, or get involved with the Tī Kōuka Ora resources to embed sustainability in your daily mahi.
Feedback
Do you have feedback, ideas, or have you spotted an opportunity? We would love to hear from you. Your voice helps shape our future.
Email energy@otago.ac.nz