Efficiency seminar - energy auditor to Queenstown

Press release from Centre for Sustainable Practice
19 August

Efficiency seminar brings energy auditor to Queenstown

Before spending fortunes on the latest hyped energy saving device, check your bills, swap to efficient lighting, replace shower heads and install flow regulators. That’s the message from energy auditor Andy Logue who was in Queenstown yesterday conducting the Tourism Industry Association (TIANZ) Energy Efficiency Programme.

Organised by the Queenstown’s Sustainable Tourism Advisor Sharon Schindler, the workshop attracted more than 50 Queenstown business people keen to learn how to save on energy costs.

“The workshop was organised as part of our Speaker Series which brings people to town to work with local businesses towards sustainable practice,” said Ms Schindler.

“This workshop was particularly attractive to the accommodation sector and almost all Queenstown’s major accommodation providers were represented. The feedback was excellent with everyone feeling they took something away that could save them energy and money. Today’s seminar introduced people to an energy auditor and the fact that the average energy audit reveals efficiency opportunities of between 10 and 30%.

Mr Logue’s presentation was holistic and pragmatic as he advised people to first look at the simple things before opting for new equipment or devices.

“Firstly, learn how to read your bills and make sure you’re not paying too much,” he said. “You’ll be surprised at the anomalies that can appear – review your tariffs and monitor your use. From that point you can start considering your options for heating water and heating space. Then look at how you can reduce your energy use. Have you replaced all your light bulbs? Have you considered installing the new low flow on shower heads that don’t compromise a seriously good shower but save heaps of water? So often people haven’t taken these simple measures which we refer to as the ‘low hanging fruit’. For an accommodation business, several thousands of dollars can be saved here at very little cost.”

Ms Schindler was delighted with the turnout to the seminar and said she was planning future efficiency seminars as a result of the level of interest.

“It’s not just about light bulbs and flow regulators, but we have to start at that point. Once people are past that then we can look at more technical approaches.”

She said the concept of sustainable practice in Queenstown business was starting to gain serious traction.

“50 people at today’s event was a phenomenal turnout and we’re also recording growing numbers of businesses signing up for the Sustainable Business Programme with 26 businesses currently registered.”

Subsidised by the Ministry of Tourism, the Queenstown Sustainable Business Programme aims to encourage Queenstown businesses of all sizes to become more sustainable in terms of environment, social responsibilities and financial viability. The Sustainable Business Programme is delivered by Otago Polytech’s Centre for Sustainable Practice in collaboration with partners Destination Queenstown, Queenstown Lakes District Council, Ministry of Tourism, and the Queenstown Chamber of Commerce. The Sustainable Business Programme also delivers a speaker series featuring experts and advisors that can inspire and help businesses and individuals towards sustainable practices at home and at work.

The programme is led by Queenstown’s Sustainable Tourism Advisor Sharon Schindler and well-known sustainable practice expert Steve Henry, who heads the Centre for Sustainable Practice.

For further information www.tekotago.ac.nz

ENDS

About the Centre for Sustainable Practice
The Centre for Sustainable Practice was established in 2007 to lead the development of sustainable practice in the Otago region. It operates as a business unit of Otago Polytechnic and is based at the Central Otago campus in Cromwell.

The Centre’s core activities are education, consultancy and research. The education arm develops multidisciplinary courses, events, best practice visits and conferences, and access to sustainable products and services. The consultancy arm provides access to expertise and related services such as evaluating and recommending improvements to sustainability of business practices. The research arm undertakes research into issues related to sustainability, such as rating the sustainability of products and services.

Although the Centre is separate from the Otago Polytechnic curriculum or operations, sustainable practice has been integrated into all Polytech courses and procedures and is key to the Polytech’s day to day operations.

The Centre is run by Steve Henry who is responsible for programme development. He is supported by Ella Lawton, Sharon Schindler and a range of partners, who support specific projects. The Centre for Sustainable Practice is overseen by Jean Tilleyshort, Group Manager – Regions for Otago Polytechnic and has governance from an advisory group consisting of representatives from the Otago region, local government, a range of industry areas, and the Chief Executive of Otago Polytechnic Phil Ker.

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