Huge Energy Savings Expected for DOC campgrounds

The Department of Conservation (DOC) will save taxpayers thousands of dollars thanks to new energy efficiency upgrades planned for campgrounds around the country.

DOC’s has recently completed the first outfit at Peel Forest campground in Canterbury which included installations of solar panels, gas hot water systems as well five minute shower timers.

Other DOC sites planned for upgrades in the South Island include Momorangi Bay Motorcamp, and Kerr Bay. Sites on the North Island include Trounson Kauri Park in Northland, and Motutapu/Rangitoto islands in the Hauraki Gulf.

Over $20,000 will be saved on energy in these camps alone, based on current electricity and diesel prices. There is a strong focus on ‘greening’ DOC campgrounds and making them more sustainable.

Director General of Conservation, Al Morrison, said, “Energy efficient options are often seen as more expensive options, but DOC has found that they can lead to massive reductions to the bottom-line, which is good for everyone.”

“This frees up valuable resources for conservation work on the ground,” He said.

The new campground upgrades are part of a national programme which is aimed at further reducing costs for the whole Department through regular energy audits; the purchase of 70 energy efficient vehicles; and the use of rechargeable battery kits;

As a result of this work DOC’s combined national energy savings is expected to be over $650,000 annually.

The Department will ensure that upgrades meet the standards of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) who have supported DOC with the outfit of all public assets.

ENDS

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