Energy design grants for Christchurch rebuild

20 June 2012

Energy design grants for Christchurch rebuild

Christchurch Agency for Energy (CAfE) is launching the Energyfirst programme today at 5 pm (20 June 2012). This programme makes grants available for building developers in Christchurch to have building concept plans reviewed by an energy efficiency design expert.

CAfE Acting CEO, Merv Altments, announced Energyfirst advice as a significant major step for renewable energy and energy efficiency in Christchurch, “All that a developer needs to demonstrate is a real intention to build a new building or carry out a substantial renovation of an existing building and a desire to include and apply energy efficiency features in that design. Incorporating energy efficiency at the concept design stage is the best time to embed energy efficient features in a building and the Christchurch rebuild offers a great chance to design buildings that reflect the aspirations of Christchurch residents and that will be desirable and efficient for many years to come.”

“Developers are able to choose an expert from a list we have finalised following an extensive Expressions of Interest process. If the application meets the criteria, the consultant will meet the developer and architect quickly to ensure there are no hold ups or delays in getting the Christchurch rebuild moving. A report at the end of the process will show recommendations that offer renewable energy and energy saving opportunities.

“Where the building is in the central city the benefits of being linked to a District Energy Scheme (www.cafe.gen/des) will be explored,” said Merv Altments.

Energyfirst is available for new developments and rebuilds for commercial, industrial, retail or large scale residential buildings over 500m2 in Christchurch.

Today’s Energyfirst launch to developers, architects, builders and energy efficiency experts signals the availability of grants as the rebuild of Christchurch proceeds.

This programme, which has been developed by CAfE in collaboration with EECA, is funded by contributions from CAfE and EECA.

www.cafe.gen.nz/energyfirst

About Christchurch Agency for Energy

The Christchurch Agency for Energy (CAfE) Trust is a charitable organisation (Reg # 44869), established by the Christchurch City Council in partnership with a number of other organisations to:

• raise awareness and promote energy efficiency initiatives and the use of renewable energy in Christchurch;
• reduce environmental problems caused by the use of fossil fuels in Christchurch; and
• introduce initiatives to address the negative health and social impacts caused by fuel poverty and energy affordability issues in Christchurch.

CAfE is tasked with investigating options for enhancing Christchurch’s energy mix, such as the district heating project proposed in the recently released draft Central City Plan.

CAfE works with Government, Councils, local businesses and building and property owners.

The Acting Chief Executive is Merv Altments.

Details of Energyfirst are as follows:

• A subsidy up to a maximum of $5,000 plus GST per building is available.
• The minimum building size is 500 m2.
• Buildings are to be commercial, industrial, retail or large scale residential.
• Buildings must be within the Christchurch City Council rating area with preference being given to developments within the central business district.
• Applicant Developers must either own the relevant property or have an unconditional contract to purchase the property.
• Complete refurbishments meeting the above criteria will also be eligible.

Developers with multiple building sites may make applications for each proposed building. In addition, where justified, new building developments in excess of 3,000 m2 may be eligible for energy modelling funding based on the following criteria:

• For buildings over 3,000 m2, but under 5,000 m2, further funding up to a maximum of $5,000 plus GST per building towards funding the Developer’s additional costs (via consultants) for energy modelling.

• For buildings more than 5,000 m2, further funding up to a maximum of $10,000 plus GST per building towards funding the Developer’s additional costs (via consultants) for energy modelling. This additional funding is provided by EECA.

ENDS

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