10 October 2006

Council appoints new energy manager

Auckland City has appointed Russell Baillie as the organisation's new manager of energy in charge of improving energy efficiency and the application of renewable energy technologies.

Mr Baillie comes to Auckland City with a strong asset and energy management background most recently working as senior adviser for energy intensive businesses with the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA).

As part of his previous roles, Mr Baillie provided expert project engineering and energy advice to local, regional and central government agencies as well as private sector development companies in Auckland and internationally.

An executive committee member for the Energy Management Association of NZ (EMANZ), he was instrumental in encouraging the professional development of energy auditors through participation in the Accredited Energy Auditor programme.

Mr Baillie regards the new council position as a prime opportunity to 'walk the talk' with initiatives to encourage environmental sustainability and adaptable, more efficient facilities.

"In practice this will be through end-use efficiency and renewable energy projects, but it needs to be done in conjunction with effective council-wide energy management practices," he said. "These include a long-term energy strategy, appropriate procurement procedures, ongoing review and understanding of actual energy use and an accessible monitoring and reporting system.

"This position suits my skill base and interests perfectly. The role involves a lot of relationship building both internally and externally which is what I thrive on," he adds. "I would like Auckland City to become benchmarked as one of the most energy efficient councils in New Zealand."

Des Hughes, utility relationship manager at Auckland City says that Mr Baillie's appointment is proof that council is serious about delivering best practice in energy efficiency and sustainable management of the city.

"He brings a high degree of expertise to the role. Most importantly, as asset and energy manager with experience in a competitive energy industry, he knows first hand exactly what the requirements of our city are," Mr Hughes said.

Starting his career as a graduate from Auckland Technology Institute (now known as AUT University) with a certificate of engineering, Mr Baillie left New Zealand in 1987 for OE.

Returning from London in 1994, he joined Lincolne Scott - an engineering consultancy in the design and operation of building technology - working in various international locations including Auckland, Brisbane, Manila and Singapore.

During his tenure with Lincolne Scott in Auckland, Mr Baillie worked with Auckland City on a number of projects including conducting energy audits of the Bledisloe Building and Civic Administration Buildings.

An experienced executive with a professional engineering and management background, he is married with two children.

ENDS

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