Council Energy Efficiency Initiatives
The Council is currently working on an in-house energy efficiency strategy to reduce energy use throughout the organisation.
There has been an ongoing programme of improving energy efficiency of assets since 2001, with numerous savings achieved.
In 2004, the Kapiti Coast District Council joined the EnergyWise Councils Partnership. This is facilitated by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) and aims to reduce energy use by local authorities and promote energy efficiency in the community.
Click here to take you to EECA's website.
Taking steps toward renewable energy: an example of solar and wind energy being harnessed to help power Council operations
The Council's big energy users have been identified as including water and sewer services, buildings and street lights. They will all be investigated to determine if they can be more energy efficient.
Another area of initiative in terms of energy efficiency is the Council vehicle fleet. Two hybrid electric vehicles which are around 40 per cent more fuel efficient than petrol cars have been purchased.
The Council also purchased 10 Mitsubishi Colts; a decision in which the vehicles' environmental friendliness was a major consideration.
Where practical, the Council is using environmentally efficient building technology, such as installing solar water heating for its public toilets. The Paraparaumu Library (below) is an energy efficient building, as the proposed Aquatic Centre will be.
Living Energy Efficiently in Kapiti
The Council has resources available for anyone interested in alternative energy sources like solar power, wind power and photovoltaic cells.
More information about energy efficiency is available on the following websites. Click on a title to take you to them:
- www.sustainablehouseholds.org.nz
Information about sustainability for Kiwi households.
- www.smarterhomes.org.nz
Tools and advice to help you make your home warmer, healthier and more energy efficient while being kinder to the environment, including the ‘Your Guide to a Smarter Home’ download.
- www.eeca.govt.nz
Website of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority.
- www.4million.org.nz
A Ministry for the Environment website offering insights into environmental issues and links to regional councils and other New Zealand community organisations so that you can find out how to make a positive difference to the environment in your area.
- www.search.energyrating.gov.au
Contains comparative information about the energy efficiency of household appliances.
EnergyWise Home Grants
This government funded EECA programme means some homeowners are eligible to receive ceiling insulation, underfloor insulation and draught proofing of doors for a significantly subsidised cost.
The grant is available for houses that were built before 1977 and is primarily for people on a Community Services Card. A number of other measures are often also available such as underfloor moisture barrier, hot water cylinder wrap and energy efficient light bulbs.
To receive the three core measures (ceiling insulation, underfloor insulation and draught proofing of doors) home owners with a Community Services Card will pay no more than $500.
Phone EECA on 0800-358-676 for more information.
Solar Water Heating Loans
EECA also has a solar water heating programme, providing assistance to offset the cost of financing a loan for a solar water heating unit.
www.solarindustries.org.nz for more information.
0800 to save on energy
The Sustainability Trust is a Wellington-based not for profit organisation set up to promote energy efficiency and conservation issues. You can visit their website on www.sustaintrust.org.nz.
The Sustainability Trust has received funding from The Ministry for the Environment and Wellington City Council to set up a 0800 helpline for people in the Wellington region, including the Kapiti Coast up to Waikanae.
This is a service for people in existing households wanting to save money on their power bills, or wanting advice on insulation and heating options or basically anything to do with their energy usage within the home.
The 0800 line will be available from Monday 17th March.
HOME ENERGY ADVICE CENTRE
Phone: 0800 388 588