Waikato councils commit to energy savings

Councils in New Zealand’s Waikato region have announced a three-year partnership with the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) that will see an improvement in the way they use energy.

The agreement involves reviewing current energy use across the councils and investigating opportunities for energy-efficiency improvements. It will put in place steps to reduce emissions and save ratepayers more than $400,000 per year, including:

• energy monitoring and audits to identify ways to save energy;
• the development of an energy management plan across the councils;
• the promotion of a certified NABERSNZ rating; and
• the production of case studies to encourage others to undertake similar projects.

“The partnership agreement with EECA will lead to increased engagement and interest amongst member councils, encouraging them to prioritise energy efficiency in the operation of their infrastructure, buildings and community assets,” said Sally Davis, the chief executive of Local Authority Shared Services (LASS).

The agreement was signed yesterday by LASS Board Chair Gavin Ion and EECA Chief Executive Mike Underhill. Underhill said the EECA welcomes the agreement, as councils have an important leadership role to play in promoting good energy practices.

“As councils work with businesses and local communities, they can influence a wider commitment to energy efficiency,” he said.

“EECA is happy to assist LASS in its focus on long-term energy savings and pleased that once these programs have been implemented the result will see annual savings of more than $400,000 for Waikato ratepayers.”