5 August 2001

Manukau City Council is challenging other Councils to match or better the 10% energy saving target currently being undertaken in a bid to help the looming national energy crisis.

This is over and above the 25% saving Council has already made over the last two years. Energy saving initiatives undertaken last year alone has saved Council in excess of $450,000.

“We are facing a serious energy crisis but it’s not too late to do something about it. A friendly challenge to other Councils to make the same kinds of savings we have would contribute significantly across New Zealand. There’s nothing like a challenge to get action!” says City Manager Colin Dale.

Council hopes to make major savings by reducing the operating hours of air conditioning systems by 1.5hrs per day and lowering the temperature of Lloyd Elsmore Pool – the only Council pool not heated by gas.

Mr Dale says all Council staff have also been asked to assist wherever they can. In particular staff have been asked to help save energy by making sure lights in unused meeting rooms and bathrooms are turned off, computer screens are turned off at night, and unused appliances are unplugged or switched off at the wall.

“We’ve asked staff to be patient and understanding of minor discomfort or inconvenience given the bigger picture and the significant impact our savings will have. This is particularly so if all Councils meet our challenge,” says Mr Dale.

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