EECA Release

29 September 2002

Tasman to be an EnergyWise District

Tasman District Council's Mayor John Hurley today signed a memorandum of understanding with the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) to become part of the EnergyWise Councils partnership.

Heather Staley, Chief Executive of EECA, welcomed Tasman as one of New Zealand's fourteen EnergyWise Councils. Nelson joined a few years ago.

"Tasman's commitment to energy efficiency shows leadership to their community. A coordinated approach to energy management is the only way we will achieve a sustainable energy future," Ms Staley said.

"Tasman is one of the fastest growing areas of New Zealand and faces significant energy challenges over the next decade. Tasman is like New Zealand in microcosm - spread out with a wide range of industries and a diverse community.

"Good urban planning will be critical to Tasman's future. The design of urban areas has a huge impact on energy use. Thinking about things such as the design of subdivisions to maximise the heat from the sun in winter and ensuring the location of subdivisions supports sustainable transport systems will deliver substantial savings down the track.

"Energy efficiency is a win-win. It's about doing the right thing for the environment and it makes good business sense. With an annual council energy bill of around half a million dollars, Tasman District has the opportunity to make substantial savings," Ms Staley said.

Agreeing to become an EnergyWise Council means adopting the principles of sound energy efficiency and management, both within the council and in the community. For Tasman it means that energy management will be integrated into the Council's in-house and community activities including the management of transport and air quality.

EECA is working to change the way New Zealanders think about and use energy by promoting and supporting the uptake of energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives. Information on EECA and EnergyWise Councils is available on www.eeca.govt.nz

ENDS

© Scoop Media