Follow us on twitter
Energy efficiency and the environment
Making improvements in energy efficiency, energy conversation and renewable energy is a priority for the government.
The use of energy efficient technology and practises, energy conservation, and renewable sources of energy can:
- Enhance economic growth through increased productivity.
- Improve energy security by reducing energy demand, including for imported sources of energy.
- Assist with energy affordability by reducing consumer energy costs.
- Defer the need for more expensive energy supply by making better use of existing energy.
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions from energy.
- Improve people’s health, well-being and productivity through warmer and more efficient homes.
Energy efficiency
The Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE) leads strategic energy efficiency policy.
The role of the Resource Management Act
The Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) is New Zealand's main piece of legislation that sets out how we should manage our environment.
Offshore environmental management
The Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf (Environmental Effects) Act 2012 became law on 3 September 2012, and will come into force once regulations are in place.
New Zealand's Emissions Trading Scheme
New Zealand’s Emissions Trading Scheme (NZ ETS) is the prime means to reduce emissions from the energy sector, and other sectors across the economy. A price on carbon is already encouraging greater investment in renewable energy.
Material incorporated in climate change regulations
New Zealand’s climate change regulations reference a wide range of materials provided here.
Carbon capture and storage
Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is one proposal to reduce global carbon dioxide emissions. It would remove carbon dioxide (CO2) from waste gases produced during large-scale industrial processes and permanently store it underground.
![[link to the New Zealand government website].](http://www.med.govt.nz/site-tools/footer-images/newzealand.govt.nz.png "[link to the New Zealand government website].")
![[link to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment website].](http://www.med.govt.nz/site-tools/footer-images/MBIE.png "[link to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment website].")
![[link to the business.govt.nz website].](http://www.med.govt.nz/site-tools/footer-images/business.govt.nz.png "[link to the business.govt.nz website].")
