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Fitting Energy and Water Efficient Appliances & Fixtures

Choose Energy and Water Efficient Appliances

Purchase AAA - ‘triple A’ and Energy Rating labelled appliances

  • Purchase highest possible ’A’ rating. .A dishwasher with the ‘triple A’ rating uses water efficiently.
  • Purchase highest possible Energy Rating e.g. a fridge or dishwasher with more stars uses less electricity
  • Buy new "Smart" appliances that use "fuzzy logic" to think ahead, e.g. refrigerators that adjust temperatures to suit individual opening habits, or dishwashers and washing machines that control water levels according to load.
  • Build in a range hood or extractor fan to eliminate cooking smells and moisture.
  • Install a switch that automatically turns storage cupboard lights on and off when door opens and closes.
  • Conduct regular maintenance check-ups, checking for leaks or faulty appliances. Make sure that staff knows who to report to if leaks are found.

Special Note:

EnergyStar features are part of the US EPA programme for office equipment (sleep mode, power down, etc). Equipment either has EnergyStar features, or it does not. There is no rating system as such. EECA are the NZ agents for the US EPA for the EnergyStar programme.

The Energy Rating scheme is a different system to the EnergyStar. The Energy Rating scheme covers actual energy consumption. It is used mainly for white-ware and domestic appliances, but it is being expanded. It is a combined scheme between NZ and Australia. It will be compulsory in NZ from 1 April 2002 for shops to display the energy label all appliances covered by the scheme.

Triple A - AAA is for water efficiency and does not cover energy (although it does indirectly for the Council pumping station). AAA is about to be upgraded to an AAAAA system. It is an Australian system for which there is no NZ agent.

Avoid

  • Fridges that contain CFC’s of HCFC’s – which damage the ozone layer.
  • Unnecessary appliances – e.g. electric can openers.
  • A ‘waste disposal unit’ – they use water unnecessarily to get rid of valuable material, which should be composted, or worm farmed!

Reduce the Volume of Water

  • Flow restrictions are cheap, easy to fit and reduce the water flow; not only do you use less water but you also save energy by using less hot water. Some companies can design packages tailored to your office requirements, ensuring that both the temperature and flow system are appropriately controlled.
  • Install low flow tap systems to reduce water consumption.
  • A pressure limiting value can be used to reduce the pressure at the point where the town supply enters the property, reducing the pressure to all outlets.
  • Aerators are another option to consider improving the quality of water stream. Aerators simply mix the water with air resulting in a lower flow from your tap.

    • Last updated at 7:45pm on 12 June 2002

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