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Tackling the Mammoth Feat – NZEECS
The latest Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy (NZEECS) draft from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment titled “Unlocking our energy productivity and renewable potential” seeks to provide some way forward in tackling the climate change issues ahead of us. With New Zealand recently ratifying the Paris Agreement (well last year) we now, as a country, must come to terms with what that actually means for us. The overarching goal may seem many years off with more than enough time to somehow tackle the mammoth feat of reducing carbon levels to 30% below 2005 levels. However a check point for this task is coming up fast. Five percent below 1990 Greenhouse emissions levels by 2020 is the ‘unconditional” criteria for success. While a portion of this reduction will be dealt with the purchase of carbon credits meaningful change is also necessary to reach these targets.
The NZEECS suggests three main focuses for the next five years through to 2022:
Renewable and efficient use of process heat
Efficient and low emissions transport
Innovative and efficient use of electricity
In fact most of the points are previously covered in the New Zealand Energy Strategy but what caught my eye was the focus on process heat. Process heat is used for numerous purposes and is used considerably in most industries. This steam comes from boilers commonly fuelled by non-renewable resources e.g. coal and hence has large amount of carbon emissions associated with it. This process heat focus is being quantified as decreasing industrial emission intensity by 1% per annum over the next five years (note this excludes the chemical, metal and electricity industries).
So what does this mean for you? Well firstly with the phase out of the ‘one for two’ policy by 2019 the costs associated with the ETS will rise and these costs will be passed on to the consumer through coal prices etc. This, combined with EECA making process heat a priority (which may mean more available funding), now is a great time to make some improvements and take a closer look at how you are using process heat on your site.
It’s not too long ago that sustainability was considered a niche interest area, but as public awareness and interest on environmental issues has grown, eco-friendly practices have transformed sustainability from a buzzword into a business imperative. Green goals, bigger gains: the path from net zero to net profit As sustainability has become mainstream, consumers have become more discerning, looking beyond superficial green branding and demanding authentic sustainability practices. This evolution in consumer expectations signals a significant opportunity for businesses to leverage sustainability as a competitive advantage, positioning themselves favourably in a market that increasingly leans towards responsible consumption. Companies demonstrating transparency, affordability, and a long-term commitment to sustainability not only meet consumer demand but also secure long-term success. Afterall, it’s easier for consumers to identify environmentally responsible goods and they are willing to pay more for their sustainable products to lead a greener lifestyle. As regulations tighten and calls to live more consciously increase, companies failing to act risk falling behind. However, businesses that dynamically embrace sustainability can transform their carbon footprint into a strategic advantage , driving cost savings, enhancing brand reputation, and unlocking new market opportunities. From carbon management to energy efficiency and process engineering services, a tailored robust sustainability strategy positions businesses ahead of competitors who fail to switch to eco-friendly practices or prioritise environmental responsibility. Measuring and analysing carbon footprint – the first step towards net zero The first step towards sustainability is understanding where your business stands. Accurately measuring carbon emissions across all operations identifies the key areas for improvement. Standardised frameworks such as the Greenhouse Gas Protocol safeguards integrity and accuracy. Thorough energy audit and management assessment pinpoints energy wastage and inefficiencies. Specialist carbon footprint management tools are deployed to track progress and set realistic reduction goals. Collaborating with DETA’s experienced carbon management services simplifies this process, ensuring businesses comply with reporting standards while identifying cost-saving opportunities.
Learn how energy efficiency can lead to long-term savings. Discover practical tips for adopting sustainable practices to reduce energy consumption.
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