CCP-NZ

Nelson City Council has the vision and courage to reach for the stars – or, more appropriately, the sun – and is taking the steps to get there.  

With its vision to become New Zealand’s first Solar City, Nelson City is seizing the opportunity to capitalize on its high number of sunshine hours.  Local solar resource has the capacity to generate a huge amount of solar energy, which will help Nelson City to reach its community goal of 40% GHG emissions reduction by 2020 from 2001 levels.

In a time of recession, global economists are encouraging investment in green infrastructure, creating jobs and reducing energy consumption from finite resources. Therefore, council is planning to assist with the installation of solar water heating systems (SWH) on 1400 homes over the next four years, with each system saving approximately 1.5 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year.

As a trial for the rollout of the scheme the council is working with a private company, Energy Shift, and with funding from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority and the Tindall Foundation to install solar hot water in 25 homes and businesses.  Despite initial costs and length of payback being the biggest barriers for homeowners, 93% say they would consider putting solar panels on their roofs.

Council is proposing the establishment of a rolling fund that will lend residents the capital for installation and have a payback scheme via a targeted rate on the property.  Residents will pay back the initial loan with interest over a ten-year period, largely through their savings on electricity costs.

Council expects to receive a good bulk deal on SWH systems and installation by going to a tender process and will select two or three good systems to give homeowners a choice of design and confidence in the product.  The rating system for recovering costs has low overheads with no complex legal agreements needed.

Council is walking the talk by fitting SWH systems on existing council facilities and including SWH in the design of new ones, knowing it can be more cost efficient to install the technology at the building stage rather than fitting it later.

On 4 and 5 April 2009, Kapiti Coast District Council held the annual Sustainable Home and Garden Show, drawing more than 6500 attendees. With an array of sustainability minded products, alternative energy demonstrations, community groups, speakers, and delicious homemade products, the event was a great success and enjoyed by many.

With winter on the way, Environment Canterbury is again encouraging the reduction of emissions created by open fire and solid fuel burners. Supporting the Clean Heat initiative they are continuing to offer subsidies for insulation and alternative heat sources to homeowners.

In December 2008, Waitakere City became the first New Zealand city to join the Climate Neutral Network (CN Net) , gaining access to an international forum for networking and supporting emissions reduction plans. CN Net was developed by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and requires members to take a GHG inventory and establish an action plan that identifies reduction goals.

Mayor Bob Parker of Christchurch City Council recently joined the Covenant of Mayors, joining over 400 cities globally, and signing Christchurch up to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions beyond the EU’s overall target of 20% by 2020 against 1990 levels. Christchurch City has made a commitment to reduce 65% of its emissions footprint against 1994 levels by 2011. They are well on their way with a 33% reduction in energy consumption and a 50% reduction on GHG emissions.

In addition to turning out all non-essential lights in council owned buildings, CCP-NZ participant councils promoted many activities for Earth Hour.

Encouraging businesses and residents to take part, suggesting restaurants hold candle-lit dinners, giving away energy efficient light bulbs and organising outdoor concerts were all part of the way councils created awareness for the planet.

Among the many fantastic council initiatives, Dunedin saw children make paper boats with candles to float in the water features, Waipa made bookmarks with enviro tips, Hamilton City Council organised a solar lounge powered by solar energy and where people could get info on alternative energy generation.

Big applause to all councils that stepped up for the Earth!