EECA (Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority)

As signatories of the Climate Leaders Coalition, we’re committed to measuring and publicly reporting on our emissions, setting a public emissions reduction target and working with our suppliers to reduce their emissions. Here’s what we’ve achieved in 2023/24:  ✅ Maintained Toitū net carbon zero certification – measuring, reducing, and offsetting emissions in line with ISO 14064-1:2018 standards. ✅Reduced emissions by 52% since our base year and by 36% compared to 2022/23, emitting 120.49 tCO2e this year. ✅ Focused on reducing air travel emissions, a key driver of our progress. ✅ Offset all remaining emissions by purchasing 121 carbon credits from the Geothermal Energy Project by Genius Carbon. As one of three lead agencies in the Carbon Neutral Government Programme, we’re proud to contribute to a more sustainable future while encouraging our suppliers to join us in reducing emissions. Read the full report here ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gBA7dkJH

What a year it has been! Our CE, Marcos Pelenur, reflects on a huge year for EECA and the energy sector. From milestones achieved to opportunities ahead, there’s plenty to celebrate and even more to look forward to in 2025.

Auckland-based Rainbow Park Nurseries Ltd has commissioned a high-temperature hot water heat pump system, shifting from gas to electricity for heating. This project is set to cut emissions by 1,190 tonnes annually and improve energy efficiency using CO2 heat pumps and a 30,000-litre thermal energy store. The nursery reduces energy costs and peak power demand by leveraging off-peak electricity. The team reports quieter operations, better temperature control, and improved energy use tracking across their glasshouses. Learn more at the link in the comments ⬇️

Solar energy is becoming more popular with businesses in Aotearoa as a way to reduce energy costs and build long-term sustainability. And it has never been more affordable. ☀️ Our insights team has created a check-list of considerations to help you determine whether rooftop solar would suit your business. Learn more at the link in the comments ⬇️

We're wrapping up 2024 with one more newsletter. 🎁 Here's a snapshot of what's inside: 🎥 Our CE Marcos Pelenur reflects on a huge year for EECA and the energy sector, with lots to celebrate. 🌳 The Hawke’s Bay RETA Report is now available. 📊 The latest product insights from the Equipment Energy Efficiency (E3) programme are here. Kia pai tō rā whakatā - Have a good break! Read the full newsletter here ➡️ https://lnkd.in/dfsx28wE

  We are stoked to partner with Consumer NZ and announce the launch of the Consumer NZ Energy Hub. A free and expert guide to using less power and saving money at home. 🏠 As a trusted voice for thousands of Kiwi, Consumer is the perfect partner to help New Zealanders with the energy decisions they make around their homes every day. Featuring practical tips and guides, articles and stories, the Energy Hub is a great, free, resource for all. Check it out for yourself and see how small changes can lead to big savings ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gpYeQz5q

We're stoked to announce the release of our Hawkes Bay Regional Energy Transition Accelerator (RETA) report. The report shows the significant role currently unused forestry residues could play as the region reduces its reliance on fossil fuels. Up to 94% of the region’s energy needed for heat used in the meat, industrial and commercial sectors could be met by local biomass. “Forestry owners and biomass suppliers in Hawke’s Bay can expect significant demand for wood fuel as the region looks toward new, renewable energy solutions for industrial processing,” said EECA Group Manager Delivery and Partnerships, Richard Briggs.”  The Hawke’s Bay RETA covers 44 sites which consume 2,117 TJ of energy and produce 121,000 tonnes of CO2 each year – almost exclusively from piped gas. The report shows that those who can transition sooner will reap the benefits given the volatility of gas pricing. Read the full report here ➡️https://lnkd.in/gQ6_6aM4

EECA has partnered with Master Electricians New Zealand to ensure New Zealand's energy consumers are well supported to adopt emerging technologies that improve their home's energy efficiency, reduce running costs, and decrease emissions. To mark the launch of this collaboration, we've released research that offers insights into how Aotearoa's electricians and plumbers (including gasfitters) are responding to increasing customer demand for hot water heat pumps, EV chargers, induction cooktops, solar panels and home energy management systems (HEMS). Key takeaways: 🤝🏽91% of the more than 300 respondents said customers see them as trusted advisors. 🔧Plumbers and electricians feel they have most influence over their customers’ choice in appliances when existing appliances require repair or replacement, but they’d love to be involved in the earlier stages of new builds and renovations. 💭Electricians and plumbers note they tend to have more influence over a product’s brand and model rather than its type. ☀️Appetite for installation training was highest for solar. This research is the first step in EECA’s partnership with Master Electricians. Over the coming year, we'll be working together to put these findings into practice, with training, product information, and installation guidance, among other workstreams. Read the research in full ➡️https://lnkd.in/gamtKQHt

Fonterra will start work to convert two coal boilers to wood pellets at its Clandeboye site in South Canterbury. The project should cut the Co-operative’s overall emissions by 9%, or about 155,000 t CO2e each year.     The project marks a significant milestone in the Co-operative's sustainability journey as it works towards a 50.4% reduction in absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030, from a 2018 baseline.      The conversion of the two boilers is scheduled to be completed and operational by September 2025. Plans to transition the remaining boilers onto renewable energy will continue as part of Fonterra’s wider decarbonisation plans.     The site has recently completed another decarbonisation project with the installation of a heat recovery project in its lactose plant back in February 2024.     The new system allows the recovery of high-grade heat from the lactose plant's equipment, saving the site 2.5 t of steam per hour and decreasing annual carbon emissions by around 3,000 t.    The conversion is co-funded as part of a previously announced partnership with EECA. The partnership agreement includes Fonterra achieving approximately 1.2 million t of CO2 cumulative reductions from its coal reduction activities this decade, enabling Fonterra to lift its 2030 target from a 30% to a 50% absolute reduction by 2030.  

If you missed our November Market Update webinar, the recording is now available! Catch up on the latest updates, including exciting new transport tools in development and insights into the Low Emissions Heavy Vehicle Fund. We also discussed our heavy vehicle charging infrastructure RFI and shared highlights from the community engagement underway through the Warmer Kiwi Homes programme. Watch the webinar recording ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gYF6JWXk