Key points
Environment Waikato measures energy use relative to economic growth in the Waikato Region. This indicates how efficiently we are using energy in the regional economy. We use energy to run industry, for domestic purposes and for transportation. Economic growth is represented by the Region’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). A lower ratio of energy consumption to GDP suggests more energy efficiency and conservation.
- In 2003, the Waikato Region had a GDP of $9.3 billion and used around 109,043 terajoules (TJ) of energy.
- The Region’s ratio of energy use to GDP breaks down to 12.1 megajoules (MJ) per dollar. This is equivalent to less than the daily home heating requirements of a single house.
- Greatest energy use relative to economic growth was within the electricity, gas and water sector. This sector used 203 MJ for each dollar it contributed to the Region’s GDP. However, much of the energy was used to generate further power.
- Almost 30 percent of the energy used in the Region was for transport and domestic purposes.
Source: Environment Waikato
What agencies are doing
- We have a Regional Transport Strategy, which encourages the efficient use of energy in the transport sector.
- We measure and report on Environment Waikato’s energy use.
- We support Central Government's preparation of a National Energy Strategy.
What you can do to help
- You can reduce the amount of energy you consume in your home, for transport and at work. Try to buy energy-efficient appliances and other consumer goods. Saving energy will help you save money and protect the environment.
- Check out EnergyWise for energy saving tips for your home.
- Consider carpooling, using public transport, cycling or walking as alternatives to your car. Check out the Bus Timetables for the Waikato Region and find out how people living in the Waikato Region travel to work.
- Check out EnergyWise for more energy saving tips for your vehicle.
- Find out business energy savings tips from Emprove.
More information
More detail on this indicator, including how and where this information is collected, is available here.
What we want to achieve
The community outcome we are seeking to achieve by monitoring energy use relative to growth is:
- We reduce our reliance on non-renewable energy.