Energy efficiency and conservation
Improving energy efficiency and conservation is a simple way to become more sustainable. It can
be achieved through simple housekeeping to reduce energy use, changing energy technology (such as
changing to low-energy lighting to increase energy efficiency), or in bigger businesses through an energy audit. Less
energy usage means smaller electricity bills, with the knock-on effect of a direct
reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and climate change effects.
Read below how much other businesses have saved through energy efficiency and conservation.
Case studies
CSL Varivac (Ministry for the Environment)
CSL specialises in the research and implementation of computerised variable speed control systems and programming tools for dairy farms. CSL's flagship product is the Varivac, the first system of its kind designed to alleviate some of the problems associated with high energy use in milking sheds.
Mahana Blue (Ministry for the Environment)
Taking a punt on innovative energy-saving products has had great rewards for Auckland company Danfoss (New Zealand) Limited. The company develops and promotes, among other products, the commercial water heating system Mahana Blue, which has helped farmers and business owners enjoy massive savings on their energy bills.
Wellington City YHA (Ministry for the Environment)
The newly refurbished YHA Wellington City hostel is the 'jewel in the crown' of the country's largest hostel network, setting new standards for backpacker accommodation in the city, while at the same time introducing some innovative products and management techniques to reduce waste and emissions.
Guides
A Guide to Sustainable Office Fit-outs (Ministry for the Environment)
This guide is designed to help you consider how moving into new offices (fit-out) - or changing around existing offices to meet new needs (refurbishment) - can be done in ways that are as mindful of the environment as possible.
Business Guide to Energy Efficiency (NZ Business Council for Sustainable Development)
This guide is designed to help New Zealand businesses to reduce their energy bills, by providing practical guidance and assistance.
Organisations
New Zealand Green Building Council
The New Zealand Green Building Council is a broad-based industry organisation that has been formed to lead New Zealand's focus on green building. The Council is made up of industry leaders committed to developing market-based solutions that help deliver efficient, healthier, innovative buildings for New Zealand.
The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA)
EECA's role is to encourage, promote, and support the uptake of energy efficient initiatives and new renewable energy sources.
Other resources
Crown Energy Efficiency and Conservation Loans (Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority)
Crown Energy Efficiency and Conservation Loans are available to government departments, District Health Boards, Crown Owned Companies, territorial authorities, regional councils, universities, polytechnics, schools and Crown Entities. The loan scheme is intended for the full or partial funding of projects to achieve energy cost savings which have a payback of under five years.
Energy Audit Grants (Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority)
Energy Audit Grants are available to businesses whose energy spend is greater than $100,000 p.a., who undertake an audit to determine how efficiently energy is being used, identify energy and cost saving opportunities and highlight potential improvements in comfort and productivity. Grants are also available for design audits of new buildings under the Energy Audit Grant scheme.
Energy Challenger (Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority)
For smaller energy users, Energy Challenger is an online energy management diagnostic tool. Energy Challenger enables you to address energy management at two levels ? as a business management issue and at a technical level.
Energy efficiency on your farm (Ministry for the Environment)
A fact sheet from the New Zealand Climate Change Office on improving the energy efficiency of farms.
Energy Intensive Businesses Package
In March 2005, Cabinet confirmed additional policy to assist energy-intensive businesses (EIBs) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to mitigate the possible adverse effects on them of the carbon tax (to be introduced in April 2007) through improved energy efficiency and conservation. The centerpiece of the package is a grants scheme. Pilot projects will be undertaken with firms in energy intensive sectors from 1 July 2005. Selected firms will receive cash grants to assist them to introduce and demonstrate energy efficient technologies relevant to each sector. This will be backed with training and education initiatives.
Energy Services Directory (Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority)
Use this directory to find an expert in energy services for your sector.
Minimum Energy Performance (Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority)
The Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) refers to the setting of minimum energy performance criteria that must be met before a product can be sold in New Zealand.
Websites
EMProve website (Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority)
The Emprove programme promotes and supports greater business energy efficiency and conservation. Emprove is a management tool that enables businesses to analyse their energy use and set up systems to manage and control it. For large energy users, Emprove can provide diagnostics conducted by a qualified account manager, a customised action plan and ongoing support.
Think something should be added to Simply Sustainable? Send your suggestion to webmaster@mfe.govt.nz.
