Official Information Request - 1 December 2019

Your specific questions are:

Has a flare been installed to destroy methane from the landfill?

Yes, however waste reduction is also a critical component of reducing landfill emissions.

What are Rotorua's CO2 emission reduction targets?

Not set yet. This would be part of the preparation of the action plan and will need to reflect our communities' aspirations for the speed of reduction.

Have diesel vehicles transitioned to a biodiesel mix?

No, this has previously been considered but was not practicable at that time, it will certainly be considered again.

Has the vehicle fleet transitioned to electric vehicle?

Council has one electric car for staff use, and also the i-Park scanning vehicle is electric. Rather than change more we are seeking to reduce vehicle use and the number of vehicles all together. Recently we did not replace a car and instead purchased four e-bikes which are used frequently by staff. Council also has ordinary bikes for staff use.

Has solar power been installed to lower fossil fuel dependent electricity use?

No. Council is looking to use geothermal and recently completed the change of the main council building to geothermal (which will reduce the gas use noted in the baseline footprint). This is also expected to serve the redevelopment of the Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre.

Has all RLCs lighting been replaced with LED lights? Are the lights dimmed at night?

Council is continuing to look at the options of changing all our street lights to LEDs. The Council building is being redeveloped and lighting changes are an important part of this. Another key area for energy reduction is WWTP and pump stations which in fact use more energy than our buildings.

Is there a corporate plan to reduce travel and particularly air flights taken by staff?

No, however Council has increased videoconferencing (and tele) facilities in refurbished areas and this enables frequent use in virtual meetings. An air travel baseline measure was established through our carbon footprint and we expect to see a reduction as a result at next measure.

Will delegates watch video conferences rather than travel/fly to conferences?

As above. This already occurs, including presenting remotely to international conferences as part of UN Global Compact connections.

You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of this decision. Complaints can be sent by email to info@ombudsman.parliament.nz, by fax to (04) 471 2254, or by post to The Ombudsman, PO Box 10152, Wellington 6143.

Publication of responses to LGOIMA requests

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Regards