A report published by the New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) and the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) shows that between 1990 and 2011, energy intensity fell in most business sectors, the residential sector and in some transport modes.

 

"Demand for energy increases as the population and economy grows. However, at work and at home we are getting more efficient in how we use energy," said Bryan Field, Manager of MBIE's Energy Information and Modelling team.

 

"Energy intensity is the measure of the amount of energy used to provide a given level of activity (population for households, GDP for businesses and passenger and freight movements for transport).

 

"It is important that we understand the drivers of energy use in New Zealand because energy efficiency is one of the four priorities of the Government's energy strategy. Specific targets relating to economy-wide and business energy intensity and light vehicle energy efficiency are contained in the New Zealand Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy.

 

“A growing economy puts upward pressure on energy consumption, but the structure of the economy has shifted towards less energy intensive sectors. This has put downward pressure on energy consumption from the business sector. Energy efficiency also put downward pressure on energy consumption of New Zealand businesses."

 

The report shows that residential energy use grew more slowly than the rate of population growth, resulting in a less energy intensive residential sector. The report attributes the drop in energy intensity to increased efficiency and changes in household behaviour.

 

The Changes in Energy Use report explores changes in energy use in the three key areas of: business, including primary and manufacturing industries and commercial and public services; residential; and transport.

 

The new Changes in Energy Use report is available from the MBIE website. The report will be published annually from 2012.