Dunedin Energy Study 2017-2018

Abstract

The Dunedin Energy Study is a joint research project between the Dunedin City Council (DCC) and the Centre for Sustainability at the University of Otago. The study takes stock of, and analyses energy inputs into the city of Dunedin. In this study, “Dunedin” refers to the area under jurisdiction of the Dunedin City Council (DCC), which is surrounded by Waitaki District in the north, Central Otago District in the west, Clutha District in the south and the Pacific Ocean in the east. This is the fourth consecutive year this study has been run and investigates energy consumption within Dunedin during the 2018 financial year (2018FY), referring to the financial year period 1 July 2017 – 30 June 2018. The first Dunedin Energy Baseline Study investigated the 2014 calendar year; the second Energy Study investigated the 2015 calendar year and the 2015-16 financial year; and the third Energy Study investigated the 2016-17 financial year. This annual study is an action under the DCC’s Energy Plan 1.0, which recognises the need to encourage research that will enable the monitoring of Dunedin's energy uses and inputs over time. It will also help inform and assist with implementing other Energy Plan 1.0's actions, such as the Electric Vehicles action (promoting EV uptake and supporting infrastructure development) and Biomass action (expanding the production and use of biomass energy). This study was conducted between December 2018 and March 2019, and provides an estimation of the total amount of each energy type used within the city, along with an indication of the end uses of energy, and energy-related greenhouse gas emissions. The project relied entirely on the willingness of many businesses and organisations who supplied data. The project’s partners are extremely grateful to all participating individuals and organisations who dedicated a considerable amount of time to sourcing, compiling and providing relevant data.