The New Zealand Government has agreed that sustainable development principles should underpin its economic, social and environmental policies at home, and abroad.

Sustainable development integrates concern for social, economic and environmental issues, and involves thinking broadly about objectives, considering long-term as well as short-term effects, assessing indirect as well as direct effects, and taking extra care when changes brought about by development might be irreversible.

Ministry for Environment

The New Zealand Government's Ministry for Environment has developed a number of programs which seek to promote the concept of Sustainability in New Zealand. One such program is the Urban Design Protocol. The Royal Astronomical Society of New Zealand has signed up as a signatory to this protocol, to encourage more efficient and effective outdoor lighting.

New Zealand sustainable development programme of action The New Zealand government has agreed to a sustainable development Programme of Action to ensure that sustainable development concepts underpin all government activity, and that government decisions ensure the wellbeing of current and future generations.

Sustainable cities One of the four priority issues identified in the sustainable development programme of action is sustainable cities. This recognises that cities are essential places to achieve sustainable development because they are where most people live. The overarching goal of the sustainable cities programme of action is that "our cities are healthy, safe and attractive places where business, social and cultural life can flourish".

Energy Efficiency New Zealand's Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act 2000 defines energy efficiency as "a change to energy use that results in an increase in net benefits per unit of energy".

Net benefits can include quantitative outcomes (for example, production levels in industry) and qualitative outcomes (for example, comfort, lifestyle and environmental benefits).

The Act mandates the development of an energy efficiency strategy and energy efficiency regulations.

The National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy was prepared as a requirement of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act 2000. As required by the Act, the Strategy is organised around policies, objectives and targets, supported by a set of means (or measures). The Strategy's purpose is to promote energy efficiency, energy conservation and renewable energy and move New Zealand towards a sustainable energy future.

The National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy was released by the Minister of Energy on September 27, 2001. It sets two specific targets:

• 1. A 20%improvement in energy efficiency by 2012
• 2. Increasing our supply of renewable energy by a further 22% by 2012.

Energy Responsibility in Central Government

Parliamentry Commissioner for the Environment

Ministry of Economic Development

The New Zealand Government's Ministry of Economic Development facilitates, leads and implements the Coalition Government's vision for economic development. One of the Government's key goals is to grow an inclusive, innovative economy for the benefit of all. Sustainable economic development is central to the achievement of this goal. The Ministry is also the Government's primary advisor on the operation and regulation of specific markets and industries, including energy and telecommunications.

Sustainable Development Programme of Action

Sustainable Development For New Zealand Programme Of Action - (PDF Brochure) Refer to page 15/16 energy