DOC Takes Out Top Energy Efficiency Award
The Department of Conservation (DOC) has been named the public service’s top energy manager at New Zealand’s premier energy efficiency awards.
DOC has taken out the 2009 Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) Public Sector Award for outstanding results in energy efficiency.
DOC edged out agencies from across local and central government to take the top honour, The Department was also highly commended in the EECA awards Energy Management category.
“It is a focal point for our energy efficiency programme to save on the costs of business and shift more money into conservation work on the ground,” said Director General of Conservation, Al Morrison.
In the last two years DOC has implemented countrywide energy saving initiatives that have saved the taxpayer over $200,000.
Key elements in DOC’s programme include replacing diesel generators with solar energy, installing over 2000 energy efficient light bulbs, 100 energy efficient shower heads, 150 hot water cylinder wraps and pipe lagging,
“The award brings recognition for the huge network of DOC sustainability champions throughout the country,” said Al Morrison. “It is also a credit to our sustainability manager, Kathryn Maxwell, who EECA rate as one of the country’s best.”
The energy award judges noted DOC’s efforts as a good example of best practice for other government departments and commented on the level of commitment from both DOC staff and management.
Additional Information
| Measure | kWh/litre savings | $ savings |
| 2000 light bulbs | 180,000 kWh | $36,000 pa |
| 15 new fridge/freezers | 12,000 kWh | $2,250 pa |
| 17 solar hot water heaters (10 on islands) | 34,000 kWh | $20,000 |
| 155 cylinder wraps | 81,375 kWh | $15,500 |
| 1100 eco-lamps | 23,100 kWh | $5,775 |
| 100 shower heads | 390,129 kWh | $48,750 |
| Solar panels and energy efficiency measures on the Chatham Island | 10,500 kWh | $10,669 |
| Solar panels on Stewart Island | 10,000 kWh | $5,400 |
| Solar panels on Tiritiri Matangi Island | 6,500 litres of diesel | $14,600 |
| Northern Circuit Great Walk Huts (solar and trailer for gas bottle delivery instead of helicopters | Savings in helicopter fuel | Approx $10,000 |
| Solar panels and batteries Mana Island | 9,668 kWh | $12,956 |
| Weather sealing (635m) /draught proofing (240)
(60 houses) |
45,000 kWh | $9,000 |
| Plug in timers (332) | 49,800 kWh | $9,960 |
| TOTAL | 845,572 kWh* | $200,860 |