20 May 2014
New Energy Performance Improvement Programme Launched For New Zealand Businesses
New Zealand businesses will now be able to benchmark their energy use against international best practice following the
launch of a premier energy management certification programme.
The Energy-Mark certification programme is a simple three-step process that recognises businesses for their systematic
approach to energy management, enabling them to reduce costs, improve energy performance and enhance their
sustainability credentials.
The Energy-Mark certification is a joint initiative between environmental certification provider Enviro-Mark Solutions
and the Energy Management Association of New Zealand (EMANZ). The programme guides members step-wise to a final level,
which will meet the requirements of ISO 50001:2011.
The initiative will be formally launched at the EMANZ annual conference in Auckland on May 27.
The conference will bring together leading energy experts from around the world to discuss how New Zealand businesses
can manage their energy use more effectively, reduce energy waste and become more productive.
Ewan Gebbie, Executive Officer of EMANZ, said New Zealand businesses now have access to certification against an
internationally recognised standard for energy management.
“This initiative brings this fundamental management practice into an effective and logical framework. Being energy
efficient is good for business and good for the environment.
“EMANZ and Enviro-Mark Solutions are providing the opportunity for New Zealand businesses who want environmental
credentials to demonstrate that they have a certification consistent with recognised international standards.
“There is no better time for New Zealand businesses to take the step up and show the world that we are punching above
our weight in addressing energy management, and for our businesses to show their customers that they measure themselves
against a global standard.”
Dr Ann Smith, CEO of Enviro-Mark Solutions, said businesses will gain a range of benefits from the programme.
“Member organisations can reduce their energy use and costs, embed best practice into their everyday operations, advance
continual improvement, ensure leadership, staff commitment and awareness, influence the value chain and demonstrate
energy leadership.
“For there to be a real change in the way business is done we need companies to stand up and demonstrate their
commitment to a more sustainable future. This is a great addition to the suite of certifications offered by Enviro-Mark
Solutions, allowing businesses to focus on this specific environmental impact.”
The programme will provide firms with expert technical support, checklists, templates and resource materials aligned
with international standards, training on the implementation of energy management best practice, independent audits and
certification, Dr Smith explained.
The first stage, bronze, will see businesses scope their energy management system, establish their energy baseline and
current performance, and develop policy and indicators.
At the silver level, businesses will set, monitor and analyse energy objectives and targets, and implement training,
awareness and communication.
Finally, a business can achieve the gold level of certification by establishing regular management reviews of its
programme, implementing an internal audit process and maintaining its energy management system.
Those interested in attending the conference should visit www.emanz.org.nz
About EMANZ
EMANZ is a professional body whose members have a common interest in improving energy use. The association offers a
range of benefits to its members, including facilitating energy auditing, energy management and technologies, training
courses, competency based Accreditation for Energy Auditors and Energy Managers, and professional development for the
benefit of its members and other interested parties.
It also provides a focal point for energy management services and products. EMANZ members are the principal providers of
energy efficiency services to all sectors of the economy.
About Enviro-Mark Solutions Limited
Enviro-Mark Solutions Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Landcare Research, provides environmental certification to
organisations and products internationally, including Energy-Mark, Enviro-Mark®, CEMARS® (Certified Emissions
Measurement And Reduction Scheme) and carboNZeroCertTM certification. Developed from over 15 years of experience in
environmental measurement and monitoring, Enviro-Mark Solutions’ certification programmes serve over 450 clients in 14
countries and have helped members reduce costs, demonstrate leadership, and provide assurance. Learn more at www.enviro-mark.com.
ENDS