Lincoln University invests in new initiatives to advance campus sustainability

Championing innovation in sustainability on campus, Te Whare Wānaka o Aoraki Lincoln University’s Sustainability Fund has awarded funding to eight standout projects. Spanning research, teaching and hands-on initiatives, these projects share a common goal of driving more sustainable practices and reducing carbon emissions across campus.

Lincoln University Vice-Chancellor and Sustainability Taskforce Chair, Professor Grant Edwards, says sustainability is a core value across the University, with the Sustainability Fund providing a pathway for staff and students to innovate and develop initiatives that contribute to the shared goal of a more sustainable future. 

“As Aotearoa’s only land-based specialist university, we are committed to supporting the wellbeing and resilience of future generations. We continue to strive to be an exemplar of sustainable practices for the land-based sector and the ecosystems that support it.”

The Sustainability Fund is supported by a surcharge on all air travel undertaken by University staff. This is the second round of funding, with more than twice the amount granted in the first round. Projects must align with the University’s Sustainability Plan and support the commitment to developing a more sustainable and enjoyable campus environment.

Here is a summary of the projects that will be brought to life this year:

Mohiotanga ki te Taiao – Future Leader Scholar Programme 

As part of the Future Leaders Programme this year, Future Leader Scholars will lead a two-day sustainable leadership development programme for Year 9–11 students focusing on environmental awareness, Māori values and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The programme will empower rangatahi to become sustainability advocates in their communities, promote values-based education and support Lincoln’s outreach and recruitment efforts. Activities will include values workshops, conservation field skills, guest speakers and reflection sessions.

Coppertree Implementation – George Forbes Building 

Through this project, the Coppertree fault-detection diagnostics for the George Forbes building will be expanded. Coppertree is a smart building analytics platform that monitors HVAC and energy systems to identify inefficiencies and faults in real time. Implementing this system will unlock EECA funding and enable Lincoln University to optimise energy use and reduce emissions in one of its teaching and research buildings.

The project will also provide a rich dataset for students studying environmental science, engineering and sustainability to analyse building performance and energy trends. Faculty can use the diagnostics to demonstrate real-world applications of smart infrastructure and carbon reduction strategies.

State of Campus Biodiversity Reporting 

This initiative will create an annual biodiversity report for Lincoln University, using data collected by students and staff. The report will be formatted for public sharing via the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) to contribute to global biodiversity datasets. The report serves as a teaching tool for courses in ecology, conservation and environmental management. The creation of this dataset will enable students to gain experience in ecological monitoring, data analysis and scientific communication.

Arboretum Restoration 

The project aims to revitalise Lincoln University’s arboretum, transforming it into a vibrant living laboratory for biodiversity, education and wellbeing through native plantings, improved signage and the restoration of walkways. It aims to reconnect the university community with nature and provide a space for cultural learning and ecological research. The arboretum will support courses in ecology, conservation, landscape architecture and environmental planning while serving as a site for biodiversity monitoring, plant identification and cultural storytelling.

Fleet Right-Sizing Pilot 

This initiative proposes installing telematics across Lincoln University’s vehicle fleet to monitor usage patterns, optimise fleet size and reduce emissions. The system will track vehicle movement, idle time and trip frequency to identify underutilised assets and opportunities for consolidation or electrification. By doing so, the project will deliver real-world data for students studying transport planning, sustainability and environmental management. 

The data gathered will also enable analysis of fleet efficiency, carbon footprint and behavioural patterns, and support research into institutional mobility and emissions-reduction strategies.

SAGE Sustainability Week & Bike Servicing 

Lincoln University has supported the annual Sustainability Week and monthly bike servicing events on campus for many years. Activities include workshops, guest speakers, interactive displays and free bike tune-ups to promote sustainable transport and environmental awareness. 

Sustainability Week provides an opportunity to engage students and staff in sustainability education, encouraging behaviour change and supporting experiential learning. The events also provide a platform to showcase student projects and research. 

Campus as a Living Laboratory 

This initiative will involve a student assistant documenting and mapping sustainability-related teaching and research activities across campus. The goal is to formalise Lincoln’s Living Laboratory approach and make sustainability data more accessible. By doing so, the project will enable better integration of campus infrastructure into sustainability education and support curriculum development and interdisciplinary learning. 

Peek App 3 

This grant allows for the renewal of Peek App license, an interactive field learning tool that supports sustainable excursions and virtual site visits. The app enables students to explore environmental sites digitally, reducing travel emissions and increasing accessibility for students with mobility or financial constraints. 

Sustainability Fund

Lincoln University’s Sustainability Fund was introduced in late 2023 to support campus initiatives that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enable more sustainable research and teaching practices. The Fund was established to receive, accrue and allocate proceeds from a 5% sustainability surcharge, also introduced in 2023, that applies to all work-related air travel undertaken by Lincoln University staff. 

Learn more about our sustainability journey here >>