GGAA 2013 - Carbon Reduction - AUT University - Highly Commended

Three pronged approach to reducing CO2 emissions

AUT University has and continues to implement sustainable transport, energy efficiency and waste reduction initiatives as a three-pronged approach to reducing carbon emissions. From 2007 a number of sustainable transport initiatives were implemented, including a University Travel Plan. Since implementing these initiatives the percentage of students travelling to our North Shore campus by public transport (including the AUT shuttle bus) has increased by 40% between 2008 and 2010 and savings of $235,000 have been achieved. These savings now contribute to offsetting the 50% subsidy AUT provides to staff and students.  AUT received grants and loans of $840,000 from the New Zealand government’s Energy Efficiency Conservation Authority. With these funds 1,000,000kWh of electricity has been saved through energy efficiency projects.  Finally a concerted recycling programme has led to a 20% reduction in waste between 2009 and 2012, whilst paper, cardboard, plastic, glass and cans recycling has increased by 40% between 2009 and 2012.