Government partners with business and unions on energy efficiency

The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA), the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions (CTU) and Business New Zealand are working together to develop an industry training programme to improve energy efficiency in the workplace.

The first phase of the programme, launched today, focuses on raising staff awareness of prudent energy use and encouraging positive action.

“Our experience shows us that motivating people to make changes and giving them the information they need to act is key to a successful energy management programme,” said EECA Chief Executive Mike Underhill.

“New Zealand’s economic development is very reliant on the success of our businesses. “They can be more efficient, productive and competitive by getting the most out of their energy spend.”

Helen Kelly, NZCTU president says: “Many people are keen to know what they can do to save power and be more energy efficient. This is driven by both environmental and cost concerns. We welcome this partnership with EECA which will help us keep our members informed and get them onboard with this important initiative.”

Business New Zealand Chief Executive Phil O’Reilly says many New Zealand employers have already initiated energy efficiency programmes; however these can be significantly enhanced with staff engagement and participation.

“This joint approach by the CTU and Business New Zealand and EECA, is a significant step towards more sustainable New Zealand businesses, which is good for everyone,” he said.

Over the next 12 months a series of projects will be rolled out through EECA, the CTU and Business New Zealand as part of the integrated workplace energy management programme.

The first stage includes an educational booklet with practical energy efficiency tips for organisations and their staff. This booklet contains information on how to be more energy efficient at work, on the road and at home. It is being distributed by the CTU and its member unions and through Business New Zealand and its industry associations. It is also available on the EECA Business website.

The programme complements other projects EECA is currently running across a range of business and industry sectors to identify and facilitate technology improvements which will lead to greater energy efficiency.

ENDS

Background information

The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA)
The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) was established as a Crown entity under the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act 2000. Its purpose is to encourage, support and promote energy efficiency, energy conservation and the use of renewable sources of energy.
EECA’s Business programme works with large energy using businesses and energy intensive business sectors to assist them improve energy efficiency, reduce energy costs and increase profitability.

The industrial and commercial sectors of the New Zealand economy accounts for 196 PJ or 39 percent of energy use. The goal in the New Zealand Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy is to reduce this energy use in the and commercial sectors by 10.5 PJ by 2025

Council of Trade Unions
The New Zealand Council of Trade Unions represents 40 affiliated unions which have over 350,000 members in total. The CTU is the central body for unions in New Zealand and is a voice for working people.

Business NZ
Business NZ is New Zealand’s largest business advocacy body, committed to championing a productive, export-oriented, competitive business environment in which enterprise can thrive. Membership is drawn from four regional business organizations: EMA Northern, EMA Central, the Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce and the Otago Southland Employers’ Association – which offer services and support to 14,500 member companies.

Business NZ also represents more than 70 national industry associations with a combined membership of some 76,000 employers, which together employ about 80 per cent of private sector employees. www.businessnz.org.nz

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