EECA Release

27 September 2002

North Shore to be an EnergyWise City

North Shore City Council's Mayor George Wood today signed a memorandum of understanding with the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority to become part of the EnergyWise Councils partnership.

Heather Staley, Chief Executive of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA), welcomed North Shore as New Zealand's twelfth EnergyWise Council member.

"North Shore's commitment to energy efficiency shows leadership to their community. A coordinated approach to energy management is the only way we will achieve a sustainable energy future," Ms Staley said.

North Shore City Council is the last metropolitan council in the Auckland region to sign up for the programme since it was launched in July 1997. North Shore is the 3rd largest city in the Auckland region and the 4th largest in New Zealand.

"Energy efficiency isn't just about doing the right thing for the environment. It makes good business sense. With an annual council energy bill of around $2.3 million, North Shore City has the opportunity to make substantial savings.

"It's not just the City Council's books that can look healthier as a result of a commitment to energy efficiency. The Council plays an important leadership role in the community and can be an advocate for efficient energy management through its environmental education, transport and planning activities. This contributes to energy reductions from the community as a whole."

Agreeing to become an EnergyWise Council means adopting the principles of sound energy efficiency and management, both within the council and in the community. For North Shore it means that energy management will be integrated into the Council's operations in purchasing and management decisions. An energy management team has been formed and energy efficiency will be explicitly considered in planning processes relating to urban planning and transport.

"North Shore City Council has already made a start in assessing their energy use and will be following up the recommendations to make energy savings. Being an EnergyWise Council member will help them along the path to sustainability with access to information, grants, and through the sharing of best practice with other Councils," Ms Staley said.

Information on EnergyWise Councils is available on www.eeca.govt.nz ENDS

ENDS

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