Case studies

The decision Christchurch Men's Prison made to use solar water heating in its laundry will help save over $7,000 per year on their hot water bill, with a payback of 7.6 years. With 21 solar panels covering 97m2 the prison has one of the largest solar water heating systems in New Zealand.

Otago District Health Board is taking an innovative approach to improving the building services equipment at Dunedin Hospital. It's contracted an external company, Honeywell, to make the improvements.

Honeywell guarantees energy savings of $122,200 a year that will pay for the capital expenditure within five years.

Tait Electronics finds energy efficiency worthwhile because every dollar saved goes straight to profits.An upgrade of 2600 light fittings paid for itself in 15 months, while improving the output of light.

After having an energy audit done and carrying out the most cost-effective recommendations, the Auckland site is spending $40,000-$50,000 less a year on electricity a year. And it is considering more audits throughout the other branches.