The awards, which celebrate excellence and business enterprise in the Wellington region, will be announced on 25 July.
Provost Professor Wendy Larner says she is delighted the University is a finalist, alongside outstanding organisations.
“The University is one of the region’s biggest employers, with more than 2,500 staff and more than 20,000 students. We need to be making a significant contribution to building a more sustainable future and being shortlisted for this award shows we are doing that through our research, our students, our engagement activities, and our operations.”
The award application highlighted the increase in the number of courses with a significant focus on environmental education, now with almost 4000 student enrolments. These include new programmes in Renewable Energy, and a Master’s in Climate Change Science and Policy.
Director of Sustainability Andrew Wilks says since 2007, the University has reduced its total greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent, despite a growing roll. Major lighting upgrades, optimising the heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and computer power management has improved energy efficiency by more than 30 percent in a similar period.
The Univeristy also has a long history of environmental sustainability research expertise, generating new knowledge and real-world solutions. It provides many opportunities for students to be involved in environmental issues outside the classroom as well, through its leadership programmes and a wider range of student clubs that are involved in environmental action.