Certified Energy has recently joined the BusinessNZ Energy Council (BEC), part of BusinessNZ and a member of the World Energy Council.
Membership of organisations like BEC is really important to us. Certified Energy is just a small outfit, with a big idea to reshape the energy environment of New Zealand. We know that without like-minded people, we won’t get far.
BEC brings together some of the key players in the New Zealand energy sector. Led by Tina Schirr, BEC recently released its 2020 Energy Briefing, outlining the key issues for leaders and policy makers in the energy transition.
We’re used to thinking about the electricity system as at least 80% renewable, and 60% zero-carbon. We need to remember that 60% of New Zealand energy still comes from fossil fuels. That’s right, if we include all energy used in transport, we have a long way to go to decarbonise our overall energy use.
In particular, green hydrogen and electric vehicles will help reduce the carbon footprint of transport, and there are some exciting initiatives going on in those areas. But increased electrification will greatly increase the demand for renewable electricity generation in New Zealand, an issue that is very close to our hearts at Certified Energy. We feel that businesses need to show their support for renewable and zero-carbon energy to encourage new generation capacity to be built. Buying energy certificates is one of the ways to do that.
I agree with BEC’s assessment of the ten key areas where business and government can work more closely together. We would particularly like to see more progress on energy efficiency and reducing energy hardship, to improve the lives of low-income New Zealanders as well as reduce carbon emissions. Win-win.
Point #7 caught my eye - support your local. “Decarbonisation and diversification of New Zealand’s energy system may require growth in local, renewably sourced energy.” And this is another area where Certified Energy operates.
We are working with several local generators to issue certificates for locally-sourced power, for businesses who want to support low carbon and renewable power generation that gives back to their local communities through increasing jobs as well as other benefits like improving wetlands or biodiversity projects.
We’re proud to be part of the big picture with the BusinessNZ Energy Council and we’re looking forward to meeting fellow members at upcoming events, either online or in person.
If you want to know more, drop us a line via the contact form below.
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