Fact sheets and brochures

Biofuels emit less greenhouse gases than fossil fuels. So your choice of fuel can help the environment, without compromising how your vehicle performs.

One of the easiest things New Zealand drivers can do to help the environment is to start using sustainable biofuels. Your use of biofuels will help reduce the greenhouse gases from your vehicle.

Biodiesel is one kind of biofuel. Biodiesel is similar to ordinary diesel, but is made from vegetable oils or animal fats. When mixed with ordinary diesel, this makes a bidoiesel blend.

Sustainable biofuels have many benefits over fossil fuels. Most importantly, they are renewable and result in lower carbon dioxide emissions. Biofuels are already available in parts of the country and more will become available to Kiwi motorists. One of the main types of biofuel is bioethanol-blended petrol.

This guide has been developed especially for the motor trade and transport industries and anyone who sells or services diesel powered vehicles to help answer any questions you and your customers may have about biodiesel blends.

There is a lot of potential for small-scale hydro schemes on New Zealand rivers, streams and even irrigation systems. Hydro power is one of the cheapest ways of generating electricity on a small-scale. Small schemes (typically less than 10MW) also have less environmental impact than large ones. This guide to small-scale hydro schemes is aimed at a farming audience, and includes practical examples.

There are already a number of small hydro schemes on rivers and streams around New Zealand, and there are many more opportunities to use this energy resource to provide electricity to remote farms, homes and holiday retreats.