Supporting schools to switch to renewable energy

Across New Zealand, more than 800 coal-fired boilers in our schools emit over 40,000 tonnes of CO2 every year. EECA has launched a pilot scheme to help schools make the transition from fossil fuels such as coal to wood fuels, like wood pellets or wood chips.

Wood is a good choice as a renewable energy source for heating schools because it’s reliable – it can be burned in a controlled way. And burning wood fuels has an almost zero net greenhouse effect as the CO2 released is absorbed in the growth of replacement forests, while also reducing ash and particulate emissions improving local air quality.

EECA is working with 60 schools in Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Christchurch and Otago/Southland to explore the potential uptake of renewable energy technology. A variety of funding options are available including grants of $10,000 to $50,000 and interest-free loans. This initiative is supported by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the Ministry for the Environment and the Ministry of Education.

To find out more, email fida@eeca.govt.nz