Department of Conservation agrees strategic energy efficiency partnership with Right House

Energy audits, energy conservation measures and renewable energy advice are at the heart of a strategic partnership that the Department of Conservation and Meridian Energy subsidiary, Right House Ltd, have announced for helping the Department achieve its goal to become carbon-neutral by 2012.

“This is an example of a productive partnership between the public and commercial sectors” said Al Morrison, Director-General Department of Conservation (DOC) and Dr Keith Turner, CE of Meridian Energy “the partnership will be recognised as one of New Zealand’s significant sustainability stories.”

The partnership will involve Right House providing specialist advice to the Department on energy-efficient products and services, including small scale off-grid renewable power generation for Department's buildings, houses, huts and remote sites.

Right House, a subsidiary of Meridian Energy, is a new company that provides consumers with a suite of technologies for customised new houses to maximise energy-efficiency, health and comfort and minimise environmental impact.

“We are committed to sustainable working practices across the Department, we are a lead agency in the Carbon Neutral Public Service programme and the Right House partnership will provide invaluable assistance to us meeting our sustainability goal” said Mr Morrison

“We wish DOC well for its partnership with Right House and believe Right House expertise will provide DOC with everything it needs to achieve its goals,” added Dr Turner. “We share this progressive way of thinking and look to encourage others - whether in their homes or in their office buildings - to think about how they can look after our energy future.”

Conservation House, DOC's head office, already demonstrates leadership in sustainable technology and efficient resource use. It was the first building to be refurbished as a green building and demonstrates DOC’s long-term commitment in this area. Meridian has recently moved in to New Zealand’s first purpose-built green building.

The Department's Sustainability Manager, Kathryn Maxwell, said Right House's ability to provide in-depth knowledge on energy-efficient buildings would be invaluable.

"We've been amazed at the wealth of technical and scientific information that Right House can provide for improving the environmental performance of buildings," says Ms Maxwell. "The Department is committed to ensuring taxpayers’ money is used as efficiently as possible, and this partnership will be key in achieving that, and our carbon neutrality goal by 2012."

Right House CEO, Hamish Sisson, said the company was delighted with the partnership because the Department is an iconic organisation that plays a unique role in New Zealand.

"We are very proud to partner with the Department to help it achieve its energy-efficiency and renewable power generation goals. This will set an example for other New Zealand departments and business to follow," says Mr Sisson.

Right House is soon to start a feasibility study on energy-efficient options for the Department's premises.

The Department will announce full details of how they will meet their carbon-neutrality goal in the coming weeks.

ENDS

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