Doc has transitioned away from coal use at all 15 West Coast huts that previously relied on fossil fuels, switching instead to firewood or alternative heating systems.
The move is part of Doc’s commitment under the "Carbon Neutral Government Programme" to remove coal from public buildings by the end of 2025. The transition on the West Coast has now been completed.
Western South Island operations director Owen Kilgour said coal was no longer being flown into any of Doc’s back-country huts.
"We have transitioned away from coal use at the 15 West Coast huts, both public and staff or warden huts, which were using coal," Mr Kilgour said.
"All huts have switched to wood or alternative heating solutions. We are no longer flying coal to huts and once any remaining coal is used up, no more will be supplied."
Some huts still had small residual coal supplies on site, but those would not be replenished.
Doc previously acknowledged replacing coal with firewood presented logistical challenges, as wood requires significantly higher volumes.
Director of operations support Karl Beckert said it took about three loads of wood to match the heating output of one load of coal.
To manage the change, Doc has built woodsheds at eight public huts on the Coast to accommodate the increased storage needs.
One of the largest former coal users, Welcome Flat Hut, has moved to an alternative solution altogether, using a heat transfer system that captures warmth from the nearby hot pool spring and distributes it through radiators inside the hut.
Mr Kilgour said while coal and firewood made up a relatively small portion of Doc’s overall emissions, the change still delivered clear environmental benefits.
"Carbon emissions from coal and firewood account for approximately 1% of Doc’s overall total emissions each year. Transitioning away from coal completely will further reduce emissions in this area.
"Despite greater volumes of firewood being required, the emissions intensity is much lower, leading to reductions overall."
Doc has been approached for details on the cost differences between wood and coal heating, including transport costs, and is expected to provide that information at a later date.
— Allied Media
