Finalists announced for top energy efficiency and renewable energy awards

A vineyard producing premium quality wine, the largest geothermal development in 20 years and a felted carpet maker whose products are bought by Hollywood's A list are all finalists competing for top honours in the 2009 Awards for excellence and innovation in energy efficiency and renewable energy.

Everyday, innovative Kiwis across the country are implementing energy efficiency and renewable energy projects that help their organisations to reduce costs, improve productivity and improve their brand credentials through lower greenhouse gas emissions - something that is even more important in the current economic climate.

Twenty-seven finalists have been chosen from 100 entries to go through to the finals of the 2009 Awards, hosted by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA). The finalists cover nine categories and are all in the running for the prestigious Supreme Award for outstanding performance.

"The finalists come from all sectors of the economy - big business, small-medium business and government organisations. They demonstrate that every day, organisations no matter what size or industry, can benefit from better energy management" said Mike Underhill, EECA Chief Executive.

"Energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives are smart ways to combat both the recession and climate change. All of New Zealand can learn from the Awards 2009 finalists. The great results from the finalists should encourage more Kiwi organisations to future proof with smart energy management initiatives. The finalists have all factored energy efficiency or renewable energy into their everyday operations."

A full list of finalists and categories is below.

The winners will be announced at the Awards 2009 presentation in Auckland on Thursday 21 May 2009 which is hosted by EECA in conjunction with principal sponsors Eco Insulation, Fujitsu General New Zealand and Shell New Zealand.

ENDS

Awards 2009 finalists (in alphabetical order)

Celebrating excellence and innovation in energy efficiency and renewable energy:

Business (Large)

• Energy for Industry / Winstone Pulp International
  Heat recovery plant (recovering waste heat from wood chip processing) at Winstone Pulp International's Karioi Pulp Mill, Ohakune.
• The New Zealand Refining Company, Whangarei
  Upgrade of a reactor to reduce energy demand.
• New Zealand Steel Limited, Auckland
  Upgrade of a pipe mill to reduce energy demand and produce a higher rate of production.

Business (SME)

• Radford Yarn Technologies Limited, Christchurch
  Conversion to wood pellets for industrial heat process in Christchurch factory.
• Yealands Estate Wines, Marlborough
  Implementation of sustainability and energy efficiency initiatives in wine production.

Energy Management

• Department of Conservation
  Energy management programme (including replacing diesel generators with renewable energy on islands).
• Honeywell Limited
  Energy performance contracting solutions.
• The University of Auckland
  Energy savings campaign for staff and students.

Innovation

• Energy for Industry / Silver Fern Farms, Balclutha
  Turning waste water sludge into energy at Silver Fern Farms' meat processing plant, Balclutha.
• Energy for Industry / Winstone Pulp International
  Heat recovery plant (recovering waste heat from wood chip processing) at Winstone Pulp International's Karioi Pulp Mill, Ohakune.
• New Zealand Steel Limited, Auckland
  Upgrade of a pipe mill to reduce energy demand and produce a higher rate of production.
• Yealands Estate Wines, Marlborough
  Implementation of sustainability and energy efficiency initiatives in wine production.

 Public Sector

• Department of Conservation
  Organisation-wide sustainability and energy management programme.
• Waikato Regional Energy Forum Trust
  Formation, launch and support of the Waikato Regional Energy Forum and the Waikato Regional Energy Strategy.
• Watercare Services Limited, Auckland
  Development of Energy Focus - an ongoing programme of engineering and capital investment, education and identification of energy savings ideas.

Renewable Energy

• Energy for Industry/Silver Fern Farms
  Turning waste water sludge into energy at Silver Fern Farms' meat processing plant, Balclutha.
• Gull New Zealand Limited
  Sale of biofuel at Gull stations throughout New Zealand.
• Mighty River Power
  Development of the $300 million Geothermal Power Station at Kawerau.
• Radford Yarn Technologies Limited
  Conversion to wood pellets for industrial heat process in Christchurch factory.

Residential

• Otago Regional Council
  Development of the Otago Warm Homes Clean Heat Clean Air project.

Transport

• Auckland International Airport Limited
  Development of an innovative workplace travel plan - "Lift" - for staff working at Auckland Airport.
• Gull New Zealand Limited
  Sale of biofuel at Gull stations throughout New Zealand.
• Sanford Limited, Sealord Group Limited, Talley's Fisheries Limited
  Joint pooling of fish quota to reduce vessel numbers (and fuel).

Outstanding Contribution (Nominees)

• Denis Agate
  Energy Manager, University of Auckland, Auckland.
• Professor C. Gerry Carrington
  Department of Physics, University of Otago, Dunedin.
• Russell Devlin
  Architect / Director, Solarchitect Ltd, Christchurch.
• Professor Ann Smith
  General Manager - Technical, CarboNZero programme, Landcare Research, Lincoln.

 The Awards 2009 Supreme Award will be selected from the winners of the above categories.

Awards 2009 - Media Backgrounder

The 2009 Awards are presented to organisations and individuals that have successfully produced outstanding results in energy efficiency or renewable energy projects.

The Awards, open to all New Zealand organisations and individuals, celebrate progress towards a sustainable energy future for New Zealand by:

• Profiling the champions of energy efficiency and renewable energy
• Recognising achievements in using sustainable energy systems and skills
• Disseminating information on leading energy practice.

 The awards are now in their 10th year. This year, the Awards will be presented at an early evening function in Auckland on Thursday 21st May.

 The event will be jointly hosted by EECA and principal corporate sponsors - Shell NZ, Fujitsu General NZ and EcoInsulation - for invited guests.