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SIT Kaumatua, Michael Skerrett, opened the ceremony with a blessing of the new system, followed by a ribbon cutting ceremony by the Hon Penny Simmonds - Minister for the Environment, Minister for Tertiary Education and Skills, Associate Minister for Social Development and Employment; and speeches by Ms Simmonds and SIT Operations Lead Daryl Haggerty.

Invited guests included Invercargill Deputy-Mayor Tom Campbell, Great South Chief Executive, Chami Abeysinghe, representatives from EECA, Meridian Energy, Lumen,  Powernet, CH Faul Aquaheat, Southern Quantity Surveyors, ABL, and SIT staff who were impressed with the viewing of the new electric boiler system.

The institute’s recent transition from coal-boiler heating is a significant accomplishment towards their medium-to-long-term sustainability goals, helping to achieve a reduction in overall carbon emissions, as well as more flexibility and better heat control throughout the Invercargill campus buildings.

As MP for Invercargill the Hon Penny Simmonds noted that this was a significant  change for SIT.

“Switching to an electric boiler system at SIT is a positive move that will significantly contribute to reducing these harmful emissions. It sets an example for other institutions and businesses in our community to follow. As we continue to strive for cleaner air, it is essential that we adopt low and zero-emission technologies to protect the health of our community and the environment.”

Mr Haggerty said the decision to move to electric heating in many areas of SIT was made after three years of considerable research and consultation; co-funded by the Energy Efficiency & Conservation Authority (EECA), their support helps businesses switch from fossil fuels to more efficient energy.

Described as “a large and complex project involving multiple steps over several months”, the main body of work on the electric boiler transition was carried out by local heating business, CH Faul Aquaheat. The first stage included shutting down the two coal boilers, allowing for the removal of the chimney stacks, followed by the installation of a new mains switch board. The final stage saw the installation of  the electric boilers and two 50,000 litre water storage tanks.

The project was supported by Meridian Energy who, in partnership with SIT, were able to help accelerate SIT’s decarbonisation programme with long-term bespoke electricity prices.

Meridian Chief Customer Officer, Lisa Hannifin says the company is extremely proud to be supporting SIT switch energy sources.

“SIT has shown great leadership in this space and it’s been incredibly exciting to watch this project take shape, because it’s another important step on New Zealand’s electrification journey. Energy contributes around 40% of New Zealand’s total gross emissions and process heat makes up a third of all energy use, so this switch by SIT will provide huge sustainability benefits for the entire community.”

Mr Haggerty emphasised the importance of the project; it was the largest piece of work in an overall sustainability plan undertaken by SIT, which included changing to heat pumps in Hansen Hall, comprehensive double glazing, and installing heat pumps in some block offices. “These changes will translate to a 44% reduction in SIT’s carbon emissions,” he said.  SIT’s transition to an electric system also aligns with the Carbon Neutral Government Programme (CNGP) goal to phase out coal-fired boilers from the public sector by the end of 2025.

Mr Haggerty praised SIT staff who had shown patience during the installation of the new system, which required some re-scheduling of classes and examinations to avoid disrupting SIT learners. He also thanked all the organisations and SIT staff for their involvement in the successful project.