Low emissions economy
This section is about our work to improve energy efficiency, including lowering greenhouse gas emissions and fostering growth in renewable energy.
On this page
The benefits of energy efficiency
Making improvements in energy efficiency, energy conservation and renewable energy is a priority for the government.
The use of energy efficient technology and practices, 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.
Environmental management work
The Ministry for the Environment is the government's principal adviser on environmental and climate change issues. However, we also contribute to the development of environmental and climate change policies because of their relevance to energy efficiency and resource development, including:
- Resource Management Act 1991(external link)
- National Policy Statements(external link)
- National Environmental Standards(external link)
- Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf (Environmental Effects) Act 2012(external link)
- Regulations under the Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf (Environmental Effects) Act 2012(external link)
- New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme (external link)
In this section
Energy efficiency in New Zealand
We’re responsible for advising the Government on energy efficiency policy for New Zealand. EECA is responsible for implementing programmes to improve the energy efficiency of New Zealand homes and business.
Carbon capture and storage
Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is the process to remove carbon dioxide, from waste gases produced in large-scale industrial processes and permanently store it underground.
Process heat in New Zealand
We are working with the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority on a process heat action plan to improve process heat's energy efficiency and increase the input from renewable energy.