Energy efficiency mining is where the money is

While the Government’s draft Energy and Energy Efficiency Strategy has some realistic targets, it needs more defined action by Government to help businesses make some $2 billion in energy efficiency savings, says the Energy Management Association (EMANZ).

“It’s all very well talking about blue sky issues like mining as a key to growing the economy, but while we are having these esoteric discussions we’re overlooking massive economic benefits that are right there for the taking, right now,” says EMANZ executive officer, Ewan Gebbie.

He said improving the energy use of our largest commercial buildings should be the highest priority in the New Zealand Energy Strategy.

“This would generate about $2 billion in savings for business. Think what effect that would have on the economy and on New Zealand’s overall energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions profile.

“We know where these savings opportunities are and we have the technology and expertise to make these gains right now.

“What’s needed is the political will to make it happen and an awareness within the business sector of the benefits that are on offer.”

Mr Gebbie said a prime example was that energy costs in our 500 biggest commercial buildings are virtually invisible to building owners and tenants.

There is no incentive for owners and tenants to pay more attention to these costs, and they have little or no means of monitoring them effectively.

“We are prepared to regulate to put energy labels on TVs and washing machines, but we won’t do the same for our largest buildings, which cost hundreds of thousands of dollars a year in energy costs.

“Landlords have no way of knowing whether their buildings are energy efficient or energy hungry and tenants can’t make decisions on the energy component of their occupancy costs.”

Mr Gebbie said relying on a voluntary approach in this area is wishful thinking. Something needs to drive change and a mandatory building energy rating scheme is the key. Europe has one, Australia is implementing one, and we should stay in step with these trading partners.

“This should be a key goal of this energy strategy.”

ENDS

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