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Nelson Pine Industries Limited is on the finalists’ shortlist for this year’s EECA Awards.

Nelson Media

The awards are run annually by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority, which works to implement government strategies for energy efficiency, conservation and renewable energy in both the private and public sectors.

Nelson Pine Industries processes 40% of the Nelson harvest of radiata pine into GoldenEdge MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard) and NelsonPine LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber). The company is on the shortlist for the large business and energy management category. EECA reports there were around 90 entries this year, which judges said were of an extremely high standard overall, noting that ‘gaining finalist status is an achievement in itself’.

NPIL CEO Chris Turner says the company has worked with Electricity Commission support to make the savings.

“The Commission brought in the concept of working alongside companies like NPIL after research showed it would cost government half as much to help industry to introduce energy efficiencies, as it would to build newpower stations,” he explains. “We started with an EECA Energy Audit in 2009 that was the basis for a site wide energy reduction project. By optimizing both the motor system and heat system we have reduced electricity and wood fuel through measures such as encouraging staff to be more aware of turning systems off when not in use, through to capital investment in Variable Speed Drives as an energy saver on our drier fans and pumps, and other measures such as modifications to the compressed air system.”

Mr Turner estimates NPIL is now saving $500k annually on its electricity account.

“Any electricity load reduction is also a benefit to the Nelson/Tasman region as the Top of the South has network constraints. We are the largest user of electricity in the region and demand on cold winter days can put supply at risk.”

Winners, highly commended and commended entries will be revealed at the EECA Awards ceremony at the Langham Hotel in Auckland on Wednesday 23 May 2012. The event will be hosted by EECA with the support of Principal Sponsors Eco Insulation and Fujitsu General NZ.

Tags: energy efficiency