Energy efficiency proves role in low-emissions economy 

Improved energy efficiency is helping New Zealand cut thousands of tonnes of carbon emissions and save millions of dollar yearly.

Links between energy efficiency and carbon mitigation are demonstrated by several programmes run by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA). Recent results were published yesterday in its annual report for 2015/16.

In the transport sector the report shows that EECA designed and commenced a contestable fund to encourage and support innovative low emission vehicle projects as part of government’s package to encourage the uptake of electric vehicles (EVs) by New Zealanders.

The organisation’s business programme saved 0.6pJ of energy – enough to fuel more than 300,000 cars driving from Auckland to Wellington – and 37,000 tonnes of carbon. The programme now covers 40% of total business energy use.

EECA chief executive Mike Underhill says the links between energy, climate change and economic growth are better understood and more compelling than before.

Other highlights include making 13,100 households warmer, drier and healthier over the last financial year through its insulation programme, ‘Warm Up New Zealand: Healthy Homes’ and its influencing the sale of 54 million products, including heat pumps, televisions, computers, whiteware and light bulbs. Cumulatively, this created $560 million in savings to the country and saved 879,000 tonnes of carbon since the programme began in 2002.

“Energy efficiency and renewable energy are an important part of our climate change solution,” says Underhill. “EECA’s work continues to support New Zealand’s journey to a low emissions economy by delivering programmes that cost-effectively save energy and reduce emissions.”

“We’ve made great progress in every delivery area and identified promising opportunities for continued energy efficiency and carbon reduction.”