Want more detail? Here, you'll find in-depth write ups on some interesting projects, aimed at supporting the Engineering Climate Action mahi for our profession.
Climate Conversations: A university’s journey towards a sustainable future
This case study delves into the sustainability journey of the University of Canterbury (UC), through the lens of a comprehensive Climate Conversation, delivered by Professor Jan Evans-Freeman, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Sustainability. Gain valuable insights into the university’s holistic approach, key initiatives, achievements and ongoing challenges as it strives to embed sustainability throughout its operations, teaching, research and community engagement.
Construction Sector Accord Beacons Case Study: Naylor Love – Diverting Construction Waste
In collaboration with Auckland Council and others, Naylor Love carried out a waste trial at its construction site on Auckland University of Technology' (AUT) North Campus. The trial involved separation of resources on site and making changes to how Naylor Love used and disposed of its leftover building products and materials. At the end of the trial period, over 90 percent of Naylor Love's construction waste had been diverted away from landfill. This new approach allowed the company to make a saving of 40 percent on their usual landfill costs.
This Beacon case study is an excellent example of the Accord’s fifth mid-term goal – Reduced waste and embodied and operational carbon. Naylor Love's work shows how diverting resources from landfill can reap benefits for both businesses and the environment.
Te Ao Rangahau Engineering New Zealand's Internal Carbon Footprint and Management
This case study will take you through each stage, explaining the process we took and the lessons learnt along the way, when we had our organisation's carbon footprint audited. We intend for this resource to provide organisations and members who haven’t participated in this process before with guidance on where to begin and what to expect.
Clearwater Quays Apartments, Christchurch
Completed in 2022, the Clearwater Quays Apartment in Christchurch, a five-level, luxury, residential apartment, is not just carbon neutral, it’s carbon negative. It sequesters over a million kilograms of CO2 by using mass-engineered timber in place of traditional materials. A recently released case study provides important learnings for industry professionals considering mass-engineered timber in their next project.
Hospital pass
In our first Climate Action case study, Senior Energy Engineer Jack Young discusses how the heavily regulated and change-averse health care sector has begun to drive transformational change to tackle the task of energy transition. He demonstrates how the lessons learnt can be applied to other industries.
