EECA Supports Turning Off For Earth Hour

EECA Supports Turning Off For Earth Hour

If every household in New Zealand switches their lights out for Earth Hour, the country will save approximately $250,000, the Energy Efficiency and Conservation authority’s chief executive Mike Underhillsays.

And if every household in New Zealand switches their lights and non-essential appliances off for Earth Hour, the country could save up to $500,000.
“These figures indicate the kinds of savings that are available, if we act together to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” Mr Underhill said.

Thousands of New Zealand homes and businesses are planning to turn their lights and non-essential appliances off between 8.30pm and 9.30pm this Saturday, to support worldwide action on climate change.

“By plunging cities and towns into darkness, Earth Hour spectacularly illustrates the power of collective action to reduce energy use and carbon emissions.

“It’s easy for people to feel overwhelmed when they are faced with the challenge of climate change, but Earth Hour is an opportunity to see very vividly the impact humans can have when they act with common purpose.”

Mike Underhillurged New Zealanders not to treat Earth Hour as a one-off event.
“Even in our own homes, simple actions of turning off lights and appliances we’re not using, buying energy efficient appliances,
and using insulation, make significant differences when they are all added up.”
“I want to emphasize that the elderly and other vulnerable New Zealanders should not turn off heaters on cold days, or any other essential appliances.”
“I hope people will be inspired by Earth Hour to seek out even more actions they can take to reduce their carbon footprint and help tackle climate change.

“If we are going to make a difference to climate change, we as individuals and as a country have to make changes in our lives so we don’t waste energy unnecessarily, and these actions can’t just be for one night.”

More information about Earth Hour can be at: www.earthhour.org

Ways to save energy every day - top tips for households

• Turning off your appliances at the wall could save you up to $65 a year.
• If you own a second fridge consider recycling it or trading it in. Otherwise only switch it on when you really need it.

• Cold washes use 75% less electricity than hot water washes.

• Replacing your home’s four most-used bulbs with energy efficient ones can save around $65 a year.

• Look at investing in insulation if you have none. If you already have insulation – check the quality - insulation degrades over time. Visit www.energywise.govt.nz for what to look for.

• Replace open fires with wood burners, wood pellet burners, flued gas heaters or heat pumps for a more efficient mode of heating

• Stop draughts sneaking in and out under doors with a draught stopper.
• Switching to an energy efficient showerhead could save you up to $500 a year if you use a lot of hot water.

• Wrap your hot water cylinder so it stays warmer for longer. You can get wraps from hardware stores.

• When buying your new appliances, look for the blue ENERGY STAR mark – it tells you at a glance which models are the very best in terms of energy efficiency.

• Efficient water heating - You can save between 15% and 22% of your average energy bill by switching to solar hot water heating or heat pump water heating.

Visit www.energywise.govt.nz for more ideas for energy savings in your home

Ways to save energy every day - top tips for businesses

You can start saving up to 10% on your energy bill by implementing some easy and free energy-savings actions. If your staff get involved in the effort, this could be the fastest way for your business to improve its bottom line.
During business hours

• Turn off any equipment not in use
• Pull up window shades to make the most of natural light
• Turn off any non-essential lights in cupboards, toilets and foyers
• Don't use heating or air conditioning if the windows and doors are open.

After hours
• Ask cleaners to make sure they turn the lights off when they leave
• Only keep lights on that are needed for safety and security
• Can any semi-full fridges be emptied into another and turned off?
• Turn off computers and other equipment not in use - this saves energy and prolongs the life of your equipment.

Change the way you use equipment
• If you can, use energy-hungry equipment during off-peak hours. Talk to your energy supplier about off-peak rates and times
• Think creatively about spotting new energy-saving opportunities. For example, a motel could cut the number of washing and dryer loads by not changing the towels every day if guests are staying more than one night
• Don't position fridges, freezers and chillers in the sun or close to ovens.
Use timers and thermostats
• Timers on lights, hot water water dispensers, air conditioners and heaters make sure energy isn't wasted
• Check the termostats on devices that have them. If they are set higher than they need to be you are wasting energy. For example hot water cylinders should be set at 60oC (55oC at the tap).
Tune-up your buildings and plant
• Tune-ups can be done at little or no extra cost, as they involve changing existing equipment rather than buying new things. Make one staff member responsible for your business's tune-up plan.

• Ask your colleagues, electrician, plumber and other contractors for tune-up ideas. Book tune-ups into your maintenance schedule over the next 12 months.
• Tune-ups include:
•
o setting your hot water cylinder to 60oC
o setting computers and office equipment to go into ‘standby' after 10 minutes
o cleaning equipment and replacing filters
o re-arranging office, shop or workshop layouts to maximise natural light and ventilation
o disconnecting unused appliances.
Use low-cost energy efficiency products
• Energy efficient appliances often cost the same or only slightly more than less efficient options. Before purchasing, compare any extra cost with the amount you'll save each year.
• Install products such as energy-efficient lights and hot water cylinder wraps before winter if possible.

Visit www.eecabusiness.govt.nz for more ideas for energy savings in your business.

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