Local charity highly commended at NZ community energy awards

Local NGO Community Energy Action (CEA), who has been working on energy efficiency projects in the community for the last 22 years, was highly commended at the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA)’s national awards ceremony in the Community Category. The prestigious awards ceremony is held biyearly and celebrates excellence and innovation in energy efficiency.

CEA has previously won the Christchurch Energy Champion EECA award in 2014. This year, with over 100 national entries, the competition was very high. To be highly commended and have the judges say “their energy efficiency work makes a significant contribution to the community across the board – in a city with tremendous challenges” is a great achievement.

CEA was especially recognised for its Repair Well project in which energy efficiency measures were incorporated during the earthquake repairs of vulnerable, low income homeowners. The project was funded by New Zealand Red Cross and aims to assist around 300 households by the end of this year.

Repair Well is only one of many projects around energy efficiency that the charitable trust operates around Canterbury. CEA also operates a Curtain Bank with free recycled curtains, helping 780 households last year, and a free Energy Advice Service. An insulation service made more than 1200 homes warmer and healthier last year. Many received extra funding through various projects, while surpluses from unsubsidised insulation are supporting community projects for vulnerable households.

“We are very proud to be recognised for our efforts in the community,” says Caroline Shone, Chief Executive of CEA. “But the real winners are the people in Canterbury living in more energy efficient, healthier homes.”

“This commendation does not just reflect our efforts. We wouldn’t be able to provide help on this large scale without the consistent support of funders such as NZ Red Cross, Orion, MainPower, the Christchurch City Council, Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority and Age Concern and grants from Lotteries and the Rata Foundation.”

ENDS

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