Source: Auckland Council
Aucklanders are being urged by Vector and Auckland Council to do their bit to accelerate the move towards a net zero carbon target for New Zealand, as we mark World Energy Day.
In the three years Vector Lights has been tracking the percentage of New Zealand’s energy supply for transport, homes and businesses that is zero carbon (wind, solar and hydro), it has increased just one percentage point, from 11% to 12%. For New Zealand to reach the country’s target of being ‘net zero carbon’ by 20501, this will need to increase significantly.
Vector Lights on Auckland Harbour Bridge, part of a smart energy partnership between Vector and Auckland Council, is powered by a mix of solar, battery and peer-to-peer technology.
Each year, Vector Lights marks World Energy Day, on 22 October, with a light show telling the history of New Zealand’s energy use and ongoing progress towards the country’s zero carbon target.
Vector’s Group Chief Executive, Simon Mackenzie said: “Reaching New Zealand’s carbon reduction goals is imperative to addressing climate change. I’m encouraged by the Climate Change Response (Zero Carbon) Amendment Act 2019, but as a country we’ve got some work to do yet based on the latest data. New Zealand businesses and residential customers all have a role to play in decreasing usage of carbon-heavy energy. Vector remains committed to being at the forefront of offering customers solutions and mitigating as much as possible the impacts of climate change.”
By focusing on customer needs and global trends, partnering with like-minded tech companies and harnessing the power of data analytics, Vector is focused on developing innovative solutions for energy customers.
“Vector’s role is as an enabler for decarbonising our economy. From facilitating the electrification of public transport and commercial fleets, to community micro-grids and floating solar arrays, to connecting residential customers to EVs, solar and batteries.”
Auckland Council has also committed to climate action, and in July adopted Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan, which aims to reduce regional emissions and help the city adapt to our changing environment.
Mayor Phil Goff says, “We need to address the threats that climate change poses, both economically and environmentally. Time is not on our side and we need to be taking effective action now to head off the disaster we will otherwise bequeath to our children, Effective climate action will require cooperation between all parts of our community, from governments and business to families and individuals.
“World Energy Day and the Vector Lights display remind us that we all have a role to play in reducing emissions and reaching our climate change goals.”
Five ways to decarbonise:
Residents and businesses can help the effort to decarbonise our energy supply:
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Be energy efficient at home and work, e.g. by switching to LED light bulbs, checking your water heater isn’t too high, turning off unused appliances and lights and investing in energy efficient appliances
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Bike and use public transport rather than driving where possible
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When driving, avoid unnecessary braking and acceleration – this will save money and CO2 emissions
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Switch from wood / gas heating to electric heating
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Get an EV and / or install solar
Sources:
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Net zero emissions of all greenhouse gases other than biogenic methane by 2050 as established in the Climate Change Response (Zero Carbon) Amendment Act 2019.
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https://www.mbie.govt.nz/building-and-energy/energy-and-natural-resources/energy-statistics-and-modelling/energy-statistics/energy-balances/
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https://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/articles/news/2019/12/mayor-outlines-plans-to-cut-council-emissions-by-20-per-cent/
