Public sector turns on the sun
More public sector organisations are turning to the sun to reduce their power bills and carbon footprint, while also supporting the Government’s mandate of creating a more energy efficient public sector.
The Department of Corrections, Landcare Research, South Waikato District Council and Waiariki Institute of Technology, Rotorua are among the first public sector recipients of EECA’s Grants for Public Buildings which provide funding towards solar water heating feasibility studies and/or installations for publicly-owned buildings.
EECA Chief Executive Mike Underhill says it is important that the Government and public sector lead the way in increasing the use of renewable energy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving energy efficiency and inspiring New Zealanders to take personal responsibility for their energy use.
Frances Hudson, EECA’s Solar Water Heating Advisor, says since its launch in March 2007, the scheme has granted funds for 16 feasibility studies and 12 installations to a variety of organisations and projects. However, EECA is keen to encourage more organisations to apply given the numerous possibilities to utilise the fund.
Solar is most cost effective for organisations that have a high rate of hot water usage and where water is currently heated by electricity.
“Solar water heating is uncommon in most non-residential buildings in New Zealand,” explains Frances.
“An important part of EECA’s Solar programme is to provide information and demonstrate the advantages of the technology. Alongside the benefits of energy efficiency and power savings, shared learning from the feasibility studies and via installation monitoring goes a long way towards assisting organisations with their future decision-making.”
Grants available
- Feasibility study grants offer up to 50 per cent off the cost of a study for installing solar water heating and are designed to support organisations to independently evaluate and make informed decisions about solar water heating.
Among grant recipients are: Gisborne City Council for a shower, ablution and laundry block at the Waikanae Beach Holiday Camp; Waiariki Institute of Technology, Rotorua for hospitality training kitchens and restaurant; South Waikato District Council for shower facilities at the South Waikato Indoor Heated Pools in Tokoroa; and Auckland City Council for its 18-storey Civic Administration Building. - Installation grants offer up to 25 per cent off the cost of installing a domestic-sized system, or up to 50 per cent off the cost of installing commercial-sized systems.
These grants contribute to reducing the up-front costs of installing a solar water heating system once a feasibility study has been completed or there is sufficient information to satisfy EECA’s eligibility for funding.
Grant applications
EECA receives and evaluates applications for the Grants for Public Buildings Fund throughout the financial year.
Government departments, local authorities, Crown entities, state-owned enterprises, district health boards, schools and universities are eligible to apply.
