Energy into the Future

Energy is everywhere: it is so all pervading, touching virtually every aspect of our lives that it is frequently taken for granted. Energy connects to a whole range of issues including water use, climate change, transportation, land use and Canterbury’s degraded urban wintertime air quality.

The prospect of doing without a reliable supply of energy for most of our day-to-day activities is unimaginable. Within Canterbury the use and transformation of energy powers our industry and agriculture and supports commerce, transport and amenities. It enables us to heat our homes, travel freely, conduct business, provide our food requirements, and communicate.

The era of cheap energy and associated security New Zealand communities have benefited from historically is arguably at an end. Climate change issues in particular are changing attitudes towards the unsustainable use of fossil fuels as an energy source. There is a real and urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, ensure regional energy security, reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, and decouple energy use from economic activity.

On these Energy web pages of Environment Canterbury’s (ECan) website you can find out about:

• Practical – it is all about making warm, smart, clean choices.
  • New Homes - valuable information for building your new home
  • Existing Homes – valuable tips and information for renovating and retrofitting
    • Retrofitting for Energy Efficiency
    • Before You Buy or Rent
    • When You Move In
    • A Home Improvement cartoon featuring insulation, heating, appliances…
    • Links for Home Space Heating - where can I get help?  
    • Links for Home Water Heating - what are my options?
    • Education – borrow the Warm Home Model!
  • Your Business  – energy use is part of every business
  • Your Transport – travelling with energy use in mind 
  • Energy Audits and Services – check your home or business
• Energy Policy – the region’s policy issues
• Regional Energy Strategy – energy strategy development
• Oil Depletion – links / resources relating to peak oil
• Community Resilience – information about responses to emerging energy challenges
• Climate Change - links / resources relating to climate change and emissions reduction
• Plans and Reports – background information and ECan publications
• Resources and Links – organisational links and relevant resources
• News and Events – information about climate change / energy-related events

For any queries about the Energy portfolio web pages, please email energyweb@ecan.govt.nz

Suggestions and comments on how to improve layout or content are welcome.