The Sustainable Business Council (SBC) and the BusinessNZ Energy Council (BEC) welcome this morning’s announcements from the Hon. Simon Bridges, Minister of Energy and Resources, targeting business sustainability initiatives.

At a time of rising energy prices, and a desire for energy security, New Zealand business is increasingly focused on energy initiatives that make good business sense.

Penny Nelson, Executive Director of the SBC, says “New Zealand businesses have identified energy efficiency as an important priority in helping them become more internationally competitive.

“The announcement complements our resource efficiency work programme. As part of that we are partnering with EECA Business to support our members to drive greater energy efficiency through their value-chain and become more resilient as we transition to a low carbon economy.”

Rob Whitney, Chair of the BEC, says “The World Energy Council Energy 2050 Scenarios show that energy efficiency is the single most important initiative in helping us achieve the Energy Trilemma of a sustainable, affordable and secure energy for all.

“To reduce CO2 emissions to sustainable levels, we will need to at least double the global rate of energy efficiency improvement currently being achieved.

“Today’s announcement of two business-focused initiatives, plus a third that targets fuel-efficient tyres, recognises this challenge.”

These initiatives hopefully reflect a different model of business and government working in partnership to unlock businesses energy efficiency potential. The SBC and BEC will be working closely with EECA as it rolls out these initiatives. Their success will be measured by the extent they catalyse energy efficiency action across the wider economy.