solarcity and Forest & Bird join forces to take climate change action in NZ

Auckland, 6 April 2016 - solarcity and Forest & Bird have announced an innovative partnership aimed at encouraging Kiwis to take meaningful action against the threats of climate change in New Zealand.

The two organisations share a concern and drive to make a difference. "We are in business for a purpose; to help stop climate change," says Andrew Booth, the CEO of solarcity, New Zealand’s leading solar energy services provider.

"We’re working together to help our nation reach a goal of 100% renewable energy. We share the same vision as Forest & Bird for a clean energy future for New Zealand, for policies and actions that will reduce climate-damaging emissions and build resilience in our ecosystems and the economy.”

Forest & Bird is solarcity’s exclusive charity partner. This means that all solarcity customers will have the opportunity to donate to Forest & Bird through the company’s charity programme. solarcity is also donating $200 directly to Forest & Bird each time one of that organisation’s supporters choose to go solar with the company.

Through sponsorship, solarcity will support Forest & Bird’s Climate Change symposium later in the year. The two organisations are also working together to raise awareness about climate change through a series of blogs, webinars and via social media.

Geoff Keey, Forest & Bird’s Climate Change advocate, says that increasing New Zealand’s proportion of renewable energy is vital to reducing carbon emissions.

“All the energy stored in Earth's reserves of coal, oil, and natural gas is equivalent to the energy from just 20 days of sunshine. In order to end our dependence on dirty energy, we need as many Kiwis as possible to switch to clean energy like rooftop solar, and look at other ways they can reduce their own emissions.

“Forest & Bird encourages people to see whether solar works for them. Solar is a practical way householders can help increase the country's use of renewable energy."

If 5% of households installed solar to meet their daytime energy needs New Zealand’s carbon emissions would decrease by 56,400 cubic tonnes. Currently there are some 8400 residential solar installations representing about 0.4% of homes in New Zealand.

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