Energy Efficiency in New Zealand
Reducing Energy Consumption and Saving the Environment
The New Zealand Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy seeks to promote sustainability and improve the quality of life for New Zealand families.
The launch of the NZEECS - New Zealand Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy (PDF file) is great news for families, drivers of vehicles, business and efforts to tackle climate change, says the Government Spokesperson on Energy Efficiency and Conservation, Jeanette Fitzsimons.
“This is an action plan to make a real difference to Kiwi families so that they can live in warmer, drier, healthier homes that cost less to heat; said Jeanette Fitzsimons speaking at the launch of the strategy.
In a press statement issued at the time of the launch Ms Fitzsimons said the Strategy would help New Zealand businesses to become more competitive. "It will also lead to the saving of money and emissions in the transport sector,” she said.
The NZEECS targets action in five areas:
- energywise homes
- energywise business
- energywise transport
- New Zealand's electricity system
- providing for the Government to lead the way
Highlights Include:
- Up to 180,000 insulation, clean heat or solar hot water upgrades
- More work to improve the efficiency of appliances
- Over $8 million for energy efficiency programmes to improve the competitiveness of business; including the primary production and tourism sectors, and to boost the uptake of wood for heating
- A new target to improve the fuel economy of motor vehicles
- Clear priority given to public transport , walking and cycling
Energy Savings
The Strategy is set to deliver annual non-transport energy savings of 30 PetaJoules per year by 2025. That’s the same as the electricity used by 30 cities the size of New Zealand's Nelson in 2006, or 18 months of coal-fired production from Huntly (a New Zealand Power Station), at 2006 levels.
Energy Savings in Transport
In transport, cumulative savings by 2025 will be around 4.8 billion litres of fuel.
The strategy aims to reduce the distance travelled by single occupancy vehicles in urban areas during peak hours by 10 per cent. There will be a range of measures including better urban planning, more cycling and walking facilities and more public transport.
Energy Efficiency Good for Health
Studies (1) have shown that retrofitted insulation in the homes of people suffering from respiratory illnesses, such as the flu or asthma, was affective in improving their health.
“Energy efficiency and conservation programmes represent great value for money. Our commercial programmes demonstrate good business nous and between 2001 and 2005 delivered $88 million in energy savings. But the benefits also extend to health and air quality improvements and emissions savings," Jeanette Fitzsimons told those gathered for the strategy launch.
“But we must see this strategy as just the start. More investment and the involvement of all New Zealanders will be needed over time if we are to make the most of the potential savings on offer.”
More details can be obtained from the New Zealand Energy Efficiency Conservation Authority.
(1) Housing, Heating and Health Study, University of Otago, Wellington School of Medicine Health Studies 2007
Sources: New Zealand Energy Efficiency Conservation Authority; New Zealand Government; The New Zealand Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy.
