MOTAT slashes carbon emissions

On World Environment Day, we’re proud to share a major milestone in MOTAT’s sustainability journey.

Following our latest Toitū Envirocare Carbon Reduce audit, we’ve achieved a 76% reduction in carbon emissions since 2017, with total gross emissions decreasing from 596.89 tonnes to 141.63 tonnes. Over the most recent year audited alone, emissions dropped by 35%, exceeding last year’s already strong result.

This achievement reflects both bold action and consistent, organisation-wide effort. The most significant impact has come from transitioning to wood-based biofuel in our Pumphouse boiler and Steam Tram No. 100.

Alongside this, our shift to Ecotricity NZ’s renewable energy, and ongoing improvements in procurement – prioritising locally made and sustainably sourced products – have steadily reduced our footprint. This progress is the result of hundreds of mindful decisions made across MOTAT.

Chief Executive / Museum Director Craig Hickman-Goodall says the result is outstanding and one the whole team should be proud of. “Toitū Carbon Reduce certification isn’t a tick-box for us; it’s a marker of the kind of museum we want to be for future generations. Ngā mihi nui to our team, we’re committed to building on this momentum.”

For more information, interviews or images, contact Communications Manager nicole.parish@motat.org.nz