Students vie for sustainable flats experiment

University of Otago sustainability head Ray O’Brien (left) and University Flats head Tony...
University of Otago sustainability head Ray O’Brien (left) and University Flats head Tony Buchanan have invited students to apply to be part of a sustainable neighbourhood in Great King St, Dunedin. PHOTO: GREGOR RICHARDSON
Dunedin students who want to live with a light environmental footprint are working on their video pitches to be part of a sustainable neighbourhood.

They may get to work on composting, use active transport and minimise their emissions and do so within a community of people pursuing the same aims.

How they get on will also be researched.

The University of Otago is offering the new flatting option next year in three neighbouring Great King St buildings.

Twenty places are available and the university has received about 30 inquiries so far.

Each student wanting to be part of the neighbourhood will submit a three-minute video.

"We expect what we learn in the neighbourhood will have an effect on the student flatting scene as a whole," University of Otago sustainability office head Ray O’Brien said.

"We have carefully picked a group of high-quality flats which are well suited to a small, focused community."

Students should expect "the full flatting experience that they’re here for, with the added layer of making an impact".

The flats will be set up for the students to grow food, compost, recycle and be energy-efficient.

Mr O’Brien said students could also initiate their own ideas.

The furnished flats will cost each student $185 a week, which covers power, internet, involvement in community events, pastoral care and maintenance.

The neighbourhood would be the subject of presentations and publications.

"We want to share what works and look for answers to what doesn’t."

The idea came before the Covid-19 pandemic. Space was freed up by a drop in the number of international students.

University Flats head Tony Buchanan said the agency was keen to contribute to sustainability efforts.

The deadline for applications is July 31.

grant.miller@odt.co.nz

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