Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy, 2017-2022

Media Release – 13 December 2016

EMANZ today welcomed the publication of the draft New Zealand Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy, 2017-2022.

“This strategy, assuming it remains mostly as is by the end of the consultation period, provides a credible framework for improving New Zealand’s energy productivity and helping reduce carbon emissions”, said EMANZ CEO Dr Mike Hopkins.

“The strategy will rely heavily on EMANZ members, who are the front line experts in delivering energy efficiency improvements. It’s a hard task translating good intentions into actions, and EECA does a pretty good job of that, however, it’s our members that deliver the projects”, said Hopkins.

“The strategy presents some significant opportunities for New Zealand businesses to improve their international competitiveness and fulfil the green credentials that are now expected of NZ businesses in international markets.”

“We are particularly excited by the opportunities facing us in the area of process heat and look forward to working with EECA on developing its action plan in this area. It’s also great that the strategy is taking a closer look at promoting more strongly the NABERSNZ scheme.”

“We do need to be careful not to throw the baby out with the bathwater, though. EECA’s current programmes have delivered millions of dollars of benefit to New Zealand companies and considerably improved energy efficiency. It would be wrong to see those successful programmes discontinued en masse. What we need is continuity and action plans that continue the good work as well as addressing new opportunities.”

“If there is one key action area emerging from this strategy, however, it’s the intent to support skills development. EMANZ is the leading specialist energy management and efficiency training provider in the country and has world class training programmes. Maintaining this position is sometimes difficult for a non-profit organisation but with EECA’s support we’ll be able to make sure our programmes keep up with international best practice as well as delivering an effective energy services market in New Zealand.”

Hopkins concluded by saying: “We are in a great position to help EECA and New Zealand achieve these objectives and look forward to working with EECA in developing plans to make sure we are operating best international practice and delivering on this intent.”

Dr Mike Hopkins, CEO, EMANZ

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