Climate solutions

With the acceleration of resource depletion and environmental degradation, our researchers are studying transitions from a linear to a circular economy, to ensure long-term environmental sustainability and prosperity. We research systems that keep materials in use through maintenance, reuse, refurbishment, remanufacture, recycling, and composting, minimising waste and the need to extract further from the natural environment.

Our Role

In a world where resource depletion and environmental degradation are accelerating, transitioning from a linear to a circular economy is imperative. This research is essential for creating systems where materials are kept in circulation through strategies like maintenance, reuse, refurbishment, remanufacture, recycling, and composting. This transition is crucial for long-term economic prosperity and environmental sustainability.

Team

60+ active researchers

Saeid Baroutian, Kiri Dell, Barbara Kensington-Miller, Erin Leitao, Gary Raftery, Kaveh Shahbaz, Filicia Wicaksana, Brent Young, Johan Verbeek, Paul Kilmartin

Current projects / activities

Circular Innovations Research Centre (CIRCUIT) & projects:​

• • Huri Rawa, Huri Rauna: Māori-Led Circular Economy & System​
  • Nuka: technology to provide novel food additives from Kanuka​
  • Valorisation of cannabis plant waste to biofertiliser ​
  • Circular strategies for recycling and reuse of metallic waste​
  • Landfill additive to enhance municipal landfill gas production​
  • Tech to divert CCA-treated timber and convert to biofuel and biochar​
  • Recovery of energy and nutrient and water from dairy processing waste

MBIE (2022) Shaping a circular market system for plastics in New Zealand ($11.7m) Johan Verbeek https://stories.auckland.ac.nz/conquering-the-growing-mountains-of- plastic/index.html

MBIE (2023) Waste to treasure: using novel chemistry to valorise residual plant materials ($9.8m) Paul Kilmartin

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions will help sustain Aotearoa New Zealand’s health, security, economy, and unique biodiversity, all of which are threatened by climate change. The Centre’s research into climate mitigation will help elevate New Zealand’s global leadership in environmental stewardship (kaitiakitanga) while meeting its commitments under international agreements.

Our Role

Based on the University of Auckland’s deep expertise in energy research, we are developing strategies for decarbonisation, building technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and promoting sustainable practices across the energy, transport, agriculture, and manufacturing sectors.

Our world-leading research teams in renewable energy, energy efficiency and power electronics are developing, integrating and adopting systems approaches to new technologies.  Coupled with our industry partnerships and our successful history of bringing research to market, this approach ensures real-world impacts.

Team

Energy Research Consortium ~ 80 active researchers in Energy

Transport Research Centre ~ 40 active researchers

Grant Covic, Duleepa Thrimawithana (wireless power), Brent Young, Andy Philpott, Emilson Silva (Energy Centre), John O’Sullivan (Geothermal Institute), Ghader Bashiri, Maria Armoudian

Current projects / activities

• Geothermal modelling, engineering, and science – research to understand geothermal systems and develop new tools for efficient geothermal generation.
• Reversing the carbon emissions of geothermal energy production: new technologies that can reinject greenhouse gases into geothermal reservoirs.
• Technology to wirelessly power heavy commercial vehicles, both stationary and in motion (MBIE $13.5m – Grant Covic)
• Digital twins for industrial symbiosis
• Development of a novel peptide to inhibit methane production by livestock
• Studying the opportunities and barriers to achieving net zero carbon energy

As the home and workplace of most people throughout the world, cities are at the forefront of climate change impacts and especially vulnerable to sea level rise and flooding events. Growing cities face urgent challenges, including climate change adaptation and mitigation, biodiversity restoration, and advancing social equity. It is vital to design vibrant and thriving cities that embrace New Zealand’s unique ecological landscapes and diverse communities.

Why we are well placed to deliver research and impact

Ngā Ara Whetū brings together experts from architecture, urban planning, environmental and social science, engineering, and beyond to design economically and environmentally sustainable, socially inclusive cities. Our holistic design solutions will help mitigate the climate and biodiversity crises where people live and provide models for other cities around the world.  We partner with Māori communities, focusing on practical outcomes to ensure that our research will support society and the environment.

Team

Paola Boarin, Garry McDonald, Jacqueline Beggs, Alessandro Premier, Kim Dirks, Priyanka Dhopade, Meg Parsons, Bruce Burns, Mark Harvey, Marama Muru-Lanning, Margaret Stanley, Jacqueline Beggs, Maria Armoudian

Auckland Council

Current projects / activities

• Transforming urban industrial zones: Research programme in development

The Earth Observation Lab provides critical real-time and near-real-time data about our environment, monitoring changes arising from climate changes and other changing developments.

as well as natural resources, land use, ecosystems, and natural hazards. This vital information can help reduce disaster risks and support sustainable development.

Our Role

The Earth Observation Lab Aotearoa offers accessible, accurate, and timely data for decision-making that supports climate change resilience, resource management, and disaster response.

We actively connect academia, industry, iwi, and funders together as communities of practices that can fit disparate needs, budgets, and technical abilities.

Team

Tom Dowling, Alice Della Penna, Sarah Bickerton, Prianka Dhophade, Nicholas Rattenbury

Current projects / activities

• Microplastic detection in drone thermal data
• Advanced drought monitoring over pasture lands
• Technology stack to accurately characterise the sea surface, and detect and track vessels (sub 10m)
• Satellite-based radar reflectors for saving lives at sea
• Water quality from source to sea
• Sewage detection
• Fertiliser run off & eutrophication