11 April 2012

MEDIA RELEASE

EA12- Christchurch needs to move to renewable energy

'If Christchurch is to move forward we need to seize the opportunities as they present themselves' is the message from CAfE, the Christchurch Agency for Energy, at the launch of EA12; the 2012 Energy Awareness campaign.

Acting CAfE CEO Merv Altments says EA12 is a chance to learn more about the opportunities to save energy and move to using energy based on renewable sources. "Christchurch is well placed to use energy more wisely, adopt more efficient ways to use energy and take advantage of renewable energy sources now, as we rebuild. We all know that the use of petrol and diesel and fossil fuels can't continue in the way it has in the past and now is the time to take advantage of new technologies and create a truly 21st century city that leads the way. EA12 is Christchurch's chance to learn more and contribute to the discussions about building a more resilient and sustainable future."

CAfE is offering community workshops, called Energy Dialogues; tours of energy sites; public and business talks from 20 April to 10 May as the start of the 2012 Energy Awareness programme. There will also be a school programme with theatre troupe The Loons running workshops in schools.

"This first round of activities will finish with The Press Great Sustainable Energy Debate on 9 May with teams led by Joe Bennett and Gary McCormick where serious issues will be raised about renewable energy and whether we can afford it. It is good we have knowledgeable and provocative speakers who can highlight the serious issues as well as entertain. We hope the debate on this topic will continue on, publicly well into the year.

"We're pleased to have the support of EECA and the The Press, and a range of speakers and local organisations who work on energy issues. The first two months of EA12 are just the start with further activities planned through 2012," said Merv Altments.

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