MOTAT slashes carbon emissions, MOTAT, June 2026

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.”