Environmental Education

Energy efficiency

We use different types of energy for warming and cooling homes, for lighting and cooking, to power appliances, for industry, manufacturing and transport.

Between 1974 and 1998, total energy consumption in New Zealand almost doubled mainly because of increased energy use in the home.

It costs an average New Zealand household using 10,000 kWh of gas and electricity a year around $1,600 p/a (16 cents per kWh), and these costs continue to increase. Larger homes with more occupants and households with people home during the day use more energy.

Why should we become more energy efficient?

Depletion of limited supplies

Globally there is a reliance on non-renewable fossil fuels like oil, coal and natural gas to provide energy. These resources are predicted to run out in the next 10 to 100 years. Total oil reserves for example, have been estimated at between 1,800 and 2,200 billion barrels, but by the end of 1999, 857 billion barrels had already been used.

Global warming and the greenhouse effect

Burning carbon based fossil fuels produces carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, which contribute to greenhouse gases and global warming. This results in significant and sometimes devastating changes to local and global weather patterns including droughts and floods. On a per-household basis, New Zealanders produce nearly as much CO2 (17 tonnes) a year as Americans and Australians.

Environmental impact of exploration, extraction and transportation

The devastation caused by gas leaks, explosions and oil spills (to name a few) is self evident.

Things you can do to save power

Action	Potential savings per month
Replace 4 – 6 frequently used light bulbs with energy efficient bulbs	$4 - $6
Switch towel rail off when towel is dry	$5
Switch lights off when not in use	$10
Reduce water cylinder to 60°C	$6
Draught-stop doors and windows	$2 - $5
Install ceiling insulation	$11 - 32
Install a hot water cylinder wrap & hot water pipe lagging	$5
Install low flow shower heads	$7
Switch appliances off at the wall	$9
Install under-floor insulation	$4 - $20

Smart use of power and good choices when it comes to replacing electrical devices and appliances and preventative maintenance, can save money and reduce the negative impact on the environment.

More information about energy efficiency

Energy information booklet PDF (645KB)
Energy actions PDF (73KB)
Energy activities PDF (60KB)