MEDIA RELEASE FROM THE ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND CONSERVATION AUTHORITY

EMBARGOED TO 5 JUNE 2008

On World Environment Day, the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) is challenging all Kiwis to take one simple step to save energy and help the environment – get out of the car.

“Reducing the amount of petrol or diesel we burn is the cheapest and most effective way to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, as well as saving us money,” says EECA Chief Executive Mike Underhill.

New Zealanders spend more on running our cars than we do powering our homes – a household average of $67 a week on vehicle running costs compared to $32 on electricity.

As fuel prices continue to rise, the cost of using the car will increase even more.

“Currently more than a third of our car journeys are two kilometres or less – it doesn’t take long to walk that far.”

“We all need to use the car sometimes, but on World Environment Day I’d urge people to think twice about whether there’s another option. You could try public transport, share a ride with someone else, walk or ride your bike.”

Mike Underhill says even when the car’s essential, people can still reduce fuel use by as much as 20 percent by changing their driving style and keeping the car well tuned. For tips on how to save visit www.energywise.govt.nz

“You can also make big savings when you’re in the market for a new car. The fuel economy labels now displayed on new and late model used cars for sale show a star rating, from five stars for the most fuel efficient to half a star for the biggest gas guzzlers. That means you can easily compare the fuel use of different cars.

“In most categories of cars, you can save about a third by choosing the best star rating compared to the worst performing.”

The average car in New Zealand is over 12 years old and burns through over 10 litres per 100 kilometres. In contrast, newer cars have much greater fuel economy, using as little as half the fuel required to travel 100 kilometres.

“Every litre less that you use, saves you money and saves the environment. Getting out of the car today is a good place to start,”says Mike Underhill.

For more information about how you travel more energy efficiently and for energy saving tips at home, visit www.energywise.govt.nz or call 0800 749 782.

ENDS

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