Massey University has negotiated an agreement with Air New Zealand to offset the carbon emissions from its staff travel with the airline – the first university to do so.
The airline’s carbon offsetting scheme, FlyNeutral, will see Massey purchase carbon credits.
It has been put in place as part of a Climate Action Plan to help staff and students adopt sustainable travel options.
Massey Vice-Chancellor Professor Jan Thomas says protecting the environment is important to the university. “By taking part in this carbon offsetting programme, we aim to continually reduce Massey’s carbon footprint. Ultimately, wherever possible, we will be looking to decrease travel that involves non-renewable fuels.”
The Climate Action Plan includes targets to reduce the University’s greenhouse gas emissions. Initiatives include:
- Supporting a range of platforms for videoconferencing and encouraging their use of instead of travelling whenever possible.
- Working with local authorities in Auckland, Wellington and Palmerston North to improve public transport options to campuses. There is a 25 per cent discount for students who use buses in Auckland and Wellington and students and staff have free buses in Palmerston North.
- Financial support for staff wishing to purchase ebikes
- FollowMe printing to reduce waste (in place since 2012)
- Membership of UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network
- Active water and energy management plans