NZ carbon neutral public sector getting closer

Ōtautahi - More New Zealand hospitals, universities and other government buildings will be supported to switch to clean energy as part the plan for a carbon neutral public sector by 2025.

Minister of climate change James Shaw has allocated another $4.8 million from the $220 million state sector decarbonisation fund to purchase more electric vehicles and energy efficient lighting.

The fund has now supported 86 projects right across Aotearoa including the purchase of 1066 electric vehicles and replacement of more than 200 coal boilers. 

Tens of millions of dollars have gone into supporting hospitals, schools and other public organisations to switch to clean, climate-friendly ways of keeping people warm and the lights on.

This will save half a million tonnes of carbon emissions over the next 10 years and will make a significant contribution towards meeting New Zealand’s emissions budgets.

Aotearoa is on its way to building a low-carbon future in a way that benefits everyone. The emissions reduction plan will ensure every sector is playing its part to meet the climate targets.

Overall, the projects supported by the state sector decarbonisation fund will save 432,924 tonnes of carbon emissions over 10 years which is the equivalent of taking 17,800 cars off the road.

Full list of projects:

University of Waikato - $0.450 million to install efficient LED lighting at Hillcrest campus. University of Waikato will invest $1.350 million from its own budget.

University of Waikato - $0.860 million to replace gas heaters and gas domestic hot water across the Hillcrest campus.

Education Review Office - $0.135 million to purchase electric vehicles and install charging infrastructure (5 vehicles).

Callaghan Innovation - $0.163 million to purchase electric vehicles and install charging infrastructure (5 vehicles). Callaghan Innovation will invest $0.163 million from its own budget.

National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) - $0.066 million to purchase electric vehicles and install charging infrastructure (2 vehicles).

Te Whatu Ora (Health NZ) Canterbury - $0.060 million for an energy efficiency water cooling project at Christchurch Hospital.

Te Whatu Ora (Health NZ) Canterbury - $0.789 million to purchase electric vehicles and install charging infrastructure (27 vehicles).

Te Whatu Ora (Health NZ) Capital Coast and Hutt Valley - $0.780 million to install efficient LED lighting at Hutt Hospital.

New Zealand Lotteries Commission - $0.029 million to purchase one electric vehicle.

Department of Internal Affairs - $0.020 million to install efficient lighting at the Avalon premises.

Department of Internal Affairs - $1.467 million to purchase electric vehicles and install charging infrastructure (48 vehicles).