Plan to save on energy

Press, 13 December 1982, Page 11

Plan to save on energy

PA Wellington A big energy conservation programme for Government buildings has been announced by the Minister of Energy. Mr Birch. In the last financial year about $lOO million was allocated for energy use in public buildings, sa'id Mr Birch. Experience had shown that significant cost and fuel savings would be made without compromising the comfort or work productivity of the buildings' occupants. Mr Birch said that he was looking towards energy savings of about 20 per cent by 1988. A number of Government departments had already achieved savings of up to 30 per cent in heating fuel and 14 per cent in electricity consumption.

"The implementation of a comprehensive and co-ordi-nated programme, with the full backing of the Government. will give increased impetus to the existing energy conservation effort." he said. The programme would be essentially self-funding, with participating departments benefiting financially from any savings above a specified rate of return. "The programme will demonstrate to the community as a whole that the Government actively supports energy conservation and is prepared to lead by example.” he said. “By giving a lead in this way,” the Government hopes that similar programmes will follow in local government and private sectors."