Minister of energy and resources Simon Bridges has announced plans to expand the ‘heavy vehicle fleet efficiency’ programme – as part of an expansion of a number of energy use reduction projects.
The heavy vehicle sector consumes approximately 20% of all transport energy – about one billion litres of diesel per annum – and the government indicates there is potential for fleet operators to save up to 15% of their fuel use.
The government will spend $1.1 million to double the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority’s current ‘heavy vehicle fuel efficiency’ programme to reach an additional 150 small to medium sized vehicle fleets over three years.
The programme is expected to deliver around $1.2 million of diesel savings a year, and reduce carbon emissions by approximately 7500 tonnes a year.
Bridges says the initiatives will save money and reduce carbon emissions.
“The energy sector, specifically transport and industrial heat, are two key areas where energy efficiency initiatives have the potential to save thousands of dollars for businesses and reduce carbon emissions,” Bridges says.
“Businesses use around 70% of New Zealand’s total energy, which is worth around $8 billion each year.
“With good information, businesses can make smart choices,” he says. “The initiatives will more than pay for themselves through direct savings.”
