8 April 2016

Media statement

Local trust, finalist for national community energy award

Canterbury charitable trust Community Energy Action (CEA) has been nominated as a finalist in this year’s 14th EECA (Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority) awards, in the community category. The two yearly awards recognise organisations that go beyond the call of duty in the field of energy efficiency, celebrating energy excellence with some of New Zealand's most innovative businesses.

“CEA has worked on improving energy efficiency in Canterbury homes for the last 22 years,” says Caroline Shone, Chief Executive of CEA. “The last 2 years have seen the trust diversify in the way it works, adapting to the changing needs of the community. This has resulted in a much more effective way to assist Canterbury households, to help make homes more energy efficient, warmer and drier with healthier occupants.”

Collaboration with like-minded and community orientated organisations such as New Zealand Red Cross, Age Concern, as well as the Christchurch City Council, the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority and lines companies Orion and MainPower has been very beneficial for all organisations involved and thus for Canterbury people living in cold homes.

“I am really pleased that CEA has been nominated and recognised for what the organisation has achieved,” says Ms Shone, “but I’m even more pleased that we are helping more and more Canterbury families, regardless of income, thriving in healthier homes, with our partners and funders.”

EECA awards Head Judge Ralph Sims said “We’ve had an excellent range of high-quality entries, giving rise to a first-rate group of finalists.”

Mike Underhill, EECA’s Chief Executive, says this year’s finalists are all trailblazers in their efforts to find innovative solutions that tackle energy use head on. “All our finalists are leading by example and their inspiring stories will influence a wider commitment to energy efficiency across New Zealand society.”

In 2015 CEA assisted over 7,500 people with advice, grants and practical help towards more energy efficient homes.

CEA operates a Curtain Bank that recycles donated curtains and a free, independent Energy Advice Service. Its insulation service installs insulation for all incomes with surpluses from unsubsidised services going towards its community projects. The trust also manages community projects in collaboration with other organisations such as the Repair Well Project together with New Zealand Red Cross. This project helps vulnerable homeowners with earthquake damaged properties incorporate energy efficiency measures during repairs.

See also:

https://www.eeca.govt.nz/news-and-events/media-releases/2016-eeca-awards-finalists-represent-broad-cross-section-of-new-zealand/

https://www.eeca.govt.nz/about-eeca/eeca-awards

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