Double win for Council at national energy awards

Council won double honours at Wednesday night’s 2014 Energy Efficiency & Conservation Authority (EECA) awards for its proactive approach to energy that has halved its CO₂ emissions and strongly engaged the community.  

Deputy Mayor Mike Cardiff and Council’s Energy Advisor Jake Roos were presented with the:

• NZ Community Award for its range of projects to improve residents’ energy efficiency and awareness i.e. our free Eco Design Service which provides advice on how to have more energy efficient healthier homes, the Greenest Neighbourhood competition, Energise Ōtaki and work with schools/student groups
• Public Sector Award for its carbon and energy management scheme (making it the first Council in NZ to gain CEMARS certification for managing/reducing greenhouse gas emissions).

“The magnitude of this recognition cannot be understated,” Cr Cardiff says.

“These awards are not a local government junket – businesses all over the country are judged by a panel of industry leaders. We punch well above our weight in this area, as was demonstrated by the lack of other councils at the event. The only other council there was from Auckland and they didn’t get a look in. I was extremely proud to accept the community award on behalf of the staff involved in developing and co-ordinating the initiatives.”

Jake Roos accepted the public sector award.

Council was also highly commended in the Energy Management Award for CO₂ reduction and energy efficiency initiatives which underlie all of its operations – from its own facilities to community schemes.