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Government NZEECS Strategy Applauded
Government Strategy Applauded
Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey has congratulated the Government on the New Zealand Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy (NZEECS), launched today.
"It is great to see the government taking a lead role on reducing the nation's emissions and improving our energy efficiency in a bid to combat climate change," Mayor Harvey says.
Among the highlights of the NZEECS are plans to improve the fuel efficiency of our vehicles, $8 million in funding for energy efficiency programmes for business, and funding for housing projects.
"Not only will these measures reduce energy wastage but vitally, they will improve the health of people," Mayor Harvey says.
Waitakere has been implementing similar energy efficiency and conservation measures the Mayor says.
"For the last five years the Waitakere City Council has been investing in an insulation retrofit project, delivered by the EcoMatters Environment Trust, which has seen over 1000 homes in the city insulated," Mayor Harvey says.
"This service has been targeted at our most vulnerable citizens, typically our low-income earners who suffer from health problems - particularly respiratory illnesses."
There has also been ongoing funding in Waitakere for behaviour change, at both an individual and corporate level, in relation to energy efficiency.
The Waitakere City Council also helps funds the Sustainable Living Centre - a free public resource offering residents information and support on a range of urban sustainability issues.
Mayor Harvey says that Waitakere dedication to energy efficiency and conservation can be seen at every level in the city.
"For example, early next month we are hosting the 2007 New World Netball World Championships - an event that will be zero waste."
Waitakere has employed caterers who will only sell food in environmentally friendly (biodegradable) packaging and will have on hand an array of recycling options for players and spectators.
"Waitakere will be reinforcing New Zealand's clean green image on the international stage," he says.
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