Energy & waste
Energy consumption has increased
We
used more energy. This is partly due to our insect quarantine
facility (the complex uses 35% of Lincoln’s energy), and
to the resumption of some projects such as a major project involving
the use of energy-intensive drying ovens, which were deferred
during the May-June 2003 energy crisis. At Lincoln, our largest
site, we have several new initiatives to help reduce energy consumption.
These include trialling E-bench (an energy management tool),
and installing low-energy LED lighting.
Electricity use data »
Air travel continues to be a challenge
International air travel decreased by 10% compared with 2002/03.
Domestic air travel increased by about 20% compared with 2002/03
and continues an upward trend. Cheaper airfares may have contributed
to this, but other factors include increased travel by senior managers
and the sustainable business group. This illustrates the delicate
balance between working with others to have a positive influence
on the environment and managing one’s own environmental performance.
Videoconferencing between our sites, introduced in February 2004,
has been used extensively but its use has not reduced our travel.
Travel is essential to our research, our networking with colleagues,
and communicating with end-users of our research. We need to maximise
the benefits of each trip in order to reduce the number of flights.
Fuel consumption and mileage associated with vehicle travel continue
to decrease. We are reviewing our vehicle fleets and their usage,
and will continue to investigate more fuel-efficient vehicles such
as the Honda Civic Hybrid that we lease in Hamilton.
Air travel data »
Zero waste goal
We
continued our trend of purchasing less paper, and recycling more.
At most of our sites organic waste, including lunch scraps, is disposed
of via worm farms and composting, and we recycle cans and bottles.
Where possible, we recycle computers and toner cartridges. One challenge
is to find alternatives to landfill for disposal of laboratory consumables
and surplus equipment.
Paper use data »
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Annie Lloyd-Jones
Email 
Environmental Coordinator Phone: (03) 325 6700 |
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