Kiwi Ingenuity Rewarded EECA Awards 2009

MEDIA RELEASE

1 December 2008

Kiwi Ingenuity Rewarded EECA Awards 2009 - Call For Entries

Entries for New Zealand's premier celebration of Kiwi ingenuity in energy efficiency and renewable energy - the EECA Awards 2009 - are now open.

The Awards, organised by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA), reward New Zealand businesses and individuals that have achieved outstanding results in energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. Across nine categories, the Awards showcase the best energy management practices, highlight smart businesses and innovative thinkers, and encourage and promote the wise and sustainable use of energy.

EECA Chief Executive Mike Underhill says the tenth EECA Awards will highlight and applaud everyday Kiwis who, every day, show their commitment to making a difference to New Zealand.

"All around the country, Kiwi ingenuity is at work," says Mike Underhill. "Everyday New Zealanders are implementing energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives that produce remarkable results for their businesses, their community and our environment. They are an inspiration and leaders in their field. The EECA Awards are an acknowledgement of their commitment and a celebration of innovation in action."

"The Awards also demonstrate that good energy management is good business practice as projects result in direct improvements to the bottom line," Mike Underhill said.

The 2007 Awards had a record 156 entries, and 27 finalists. The amount of carbon dioxide saved by these finalists was the equivalent of taking more than 26,000 cars off the road. For the 2009 Awards, EECA is hoping entrants will exceed this record.

The nine categories for the EECA Awards are:

* Residential - a project or initiative that improves the energy use of dwellings

* Transport - transport technologies or initiatives that change travel behaviour

* Innovation - an innovative energy efficient or renewable energy product, technology, project or service

* Renewable energy - a successful renewable energy project or technology

* Public sector - central or local government and Crown funded organizations that have completed a successful energy efficiency or renewable energy initiative

* Energy management - individuals, project teams or organizations developing and implementing a successful energy management programme

* Business (large) - businesses with an energy spend over $500k who have completed a successful energy efficiency or renewable energy initiative

* Business (SME) - businesses with an energy spend of under $500k who have completed a successful energy efficiency or renewable energy initiative

* Outstanding contribution to sustainable energy (people's choice category) - a person who has influenced or contributed to the implementation of sustainable energy practices consistently for over 10 years.

The EECA Supreme Winner will be chosen from the winners of the nine categories.

The EECA Awards 2009 will be presented at a glittering green carpet event on Thursday 21 May at Sky City Auckland.

Entries close on 20 February 2009. Entry forms are available at www.eeca.govt.nz or email awards@eeca.govt.nz

ENDS

© Scoop Media