A project capturing landfill gases and turning them into renewable energy, by the team from the Circular Innovations Research Centre (CIRCUIT) at the University of Auckland and Enviro NZ, has brought home the prestigious IChemE Australasia Sustainability Award 2024. This remarkable achievement recognizes their outstanding contributions to sustainability. Special commendation goes to Mazdak Rasapoor (PhD), Carl King, Chris Aughton, Chris Lobb, Rupinder Brar (PhD CEnvP), Brent Young, Professor Saeid Baroutian, and others whose efforts made this project a resounding success. Their innovative work exemplifies leadership in advancing sustainable solutions.
The project Driving Sustainability in Landfills: Cutting Emissions and Boosting Renewable Energy resulted in a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and a substantial increase in renewable energy production. In 2023 alone, they optimised landfill gas capture rates to produce over 50,000 MWh of renewable electricity, powering nearly 6,000 homes in the Waikato region and mitigating more than 600,000 tonnes of CO2e emissions.
By working together, academia and industry have ensured a thorough and science-backed approach to overcoming complex waste management challenges and contributing to New Zealand’s national target for greenhouse gas reduction. This collaboration has also led to a new standard for sustainable waste management globally.
Special congratulations go to Professor Baroutian, for also receiving a second award. Baroutian was the recipient of the Award of Excellence for Student Experience and Development by the Australian and New Zealand Federation of Chemical Engineers (ANZFChE). This award recognises individuals who have excelled in enhancing student experiences and academic development. It’s a testament to the work done through the Master of Sustainable Resource Recovery Programme, which he developed at the University of Auckland to address the growing need for skilled professionals in the fields of sustainability and circular economy.
Professor Baroutian has also been awarded a Research Impact Award 2024 from the University in recognition of his research which plays a critical role in driving local industry towards a circular economy. Chemical and industrial processes he has developed endeavour to safely recycle clinical waste and waste anaesthetic gas; turn landfill gas into electricity, and turn shell waste into high value pharmacy calcium carbonate products. These are only some examples of his work.
Professor Baroutian is from the Faculty of Engineering, and is a Research Affiliate of Ngā Ara Whetū – Centre for Climate, Biodiversity & Society, and was on the inaugural team that founded our centre, and CIRCUIT is a Ngā Ara Whetū research hub.
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