Want to explore more climate initiatives? Check out these in-depth write ups on interesting projects to provide inspiration and ideas for your own mahi.
Case studies
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.
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.
EG articles
Increasing disaster preparedness and resilience
Like waves crashing to shore, it seems disasters just keep coming – devastating hurricanes in Florida and floods in Spain are just two recent examples. But with every disaster comes the opportunity to learn and to increase preparedness and resilience for the inevitable “next time”. We take a look at the roles engineers play and how best practices evolve, based on experiences here and abroad.
“Re-wilding” the waterways
Northland Regional Council’s Otiria-Moerewa spillway and bridge flood mitigation project highlights how engineering can be a catalyst for positive change for people and places.
Fuel for thought
Transport needs energy, and the transition to low-carbon and low-emission energy carriers and fuels is on. But with a range of options plus rapidly advancing technology, what do fleet owners need to consider to stay flexible and agile and avoid getting left with stranded assets?
Concrete goals
Demand for the world’s most widely used construction material will only increase as tomorrow’s built environment responds to climate change mitigation and adaptation requirements. Steps have already been taken to ensure that the concrete used will be low-carbon, and ultimately net-zero carbon by 2050.
Intersection – crossing paths with engineers
The 2024 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year, Dr Jim Salinger, is a Climate Scientist and an influential communicator on climate change. Find out how he intersects with engineers.
Strengthening a lifeline for Tonga
Upgrading and expanding Tonga’s main port not only strengthens a lifeline for the Tongan people – given an estimated 98 percent of the nation’s imports arrive here – but it also helps mitigate the effects of climate change and provides employment for more than 140 local people.
Navigating natural disasters
The 2023 Auckland Anniversary weekend floods and Cyclone Gabrielle highlighted the need for a robust land classification system so affected homeowners could gain certainty about the future of their properties. So, just over a year on, how are things working for engineers in Auckland and Hawke's Bay, and what are some of the lessons learnt?
Resilience requires revolutionary changes
In the wake of catastrophic weather events in New Zealand, how do we engineer our way forward?
It’s a decade for engineers
How Kiwi engineers can play a vital role in the drive to net zero carbon.
Creative thinking clears water
An innovative, collaborative project to replace a 1960s culvert has led to restored water flow, revitalised wetlands and flood reduction.
Other articles
Eyeing a low-emissions economy
Dr Mike Hopkins explains how working towards a low emissions economy is a complex engineering exercise but members of Carbon and Energy Professionals New Zealand are rising to the challenge.
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Now is the time for engineering climate action
Climate change is a reality – it’s happening here, in Aotearoa, and it’s happening now. Climate change will affect our country’s energy production, infrastructure, agriculture, health, coastal ecosystems, water resources and biodiversity. How we respond is increasingly prioritised by society, and will continue to drive strategy, policy, and funding decisions into the future.
How climate change impacts infrastructure: experts explain
Professor David Levinson (School of Civil Engineering, University of Sydney) outlines the impacts of climate change on infrastructure.
