Lincoln University is pushing towards becoming a leading environmentally sustainable organisation by partnering with energy and utility experts to help meet its goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030.
A proposal, outlined by Lumen and signed by Lincoln this week, aims to move the university away from fossil fuels, improve energy performance, minimise risk and ensure adequate resilience.
Chief Operating Officer Phil O’Callaghan said the plan would provide the basis for ceasing the use of coal by 2025, with a focus on diversifying energy systems, including using on-site carbon neutral generation.
“The project will take into account all energy consumption for our campus buildings. We’ll receive a summary of our energy performance, with targets for the future, to help us to understand how we can make energy efficiency improvements throughout the campus,” he said.
“Once we receive a good understanding of the situation, we’ll be able to plan out a series of projects to help us transition away from fossil fuels.”
Lumen Divisional Manager Ben Thomson said the organisation was excited to begin working with Lincoln to develop their 2030 Sustainable Energy Plan.
“This is an essential step to guide their transition away from fossil fuels and improve energy performance on campus and we are proud to be part of Lincoln University’s efforts to mitigate climate change.”
Mr O’Callaghan said the university had a responsibility to ensure future generations were given the opportunity to grow and thrive.
“This means using our resources wisely, in a sustainable way. Our 2017 Environmental Sustainability Policy outlines our commitment to be an international leader and a leading New Zealand organisation in promoting and achieving sustainable practices.
“As a result, we are the only New Zealand university to be named in the UI Green Metric World University Rankings. This programme with Lumen will allow us to achieve best practice sustainability outcomes and respond to the objectives details in the Environmental Sustainability Policy.”
Lincoln has already taken the first step towards energy diversification with the installation of a solar array on the roof of its Te Kete Ika Dining Hall. The array is part of the largest solar programme for a New Zealand university and forms part of a wider partnership with Meridian Energy as the university moves towards renewable energy sources.
The partnership with Lumen comes during a week of action on climate change, with Lincoln students planning a hikoi to the School Strike 4 Climate tomorrow. Leaving at 6am, they will march from the gates of the Lincoln University campus to Cathedral Square.
The Lincoln senior management team, including Acting Vice-Chancellor Bruce McKenzie, are thoroughly supportive of the students’ activities.