Energy management

During the design phase of Waitakere Hospital a design audit was undertaken to ensure that the new facilities were low-energy environments. Adjustments were made to the design so that the buildings made the most of natural ventilation, insulation and natural lighting levels were increased as well as the use of other energy efficient technologies.

If you don't know how you use it, how can you manage it?

Energy is a significant cost for many New Zealand businesses, ranking alongside overheads such as rates, insurance and rentals. The difference with energy costs is that, with good management and knowledgeable advice, they can be controlled and often reduced. An energy or building design audit grant from EECA can help your business identify energy savings opportunities.

Download this attachment for more information about energy audit grants.

Soil moisture metering is a good investment for farmers who want to stop over-irrigating and cut their energy costs, according to Lincoln University Dairy Farm manager Peter Hancox.

Installing a soil moisture metering system helped him avoid unnecessarily irrigating an 80-hectare block on at least 32 days during the 2008/2009 growing season-and cut his power bill by more than $2000.

Woodbourne Air Base has cut energy costs by reducing peak electricity loads, carrying out a long-term energy savings programme and maintaining a passion for energy efficiency.