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Low Impact Design
Low Impact Design aims to create sustainable urban areas and homes that minimise our impact on the environment and create more enjoyable, safe and attractive places to live and work.
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Building a New House? Think sun, energy, passive - Solar Design
All New Zealand houses are heated by the sun to some degree, but some are better at using the sun's heat than others. Designing your new house to include passive solar design principles will keep your home warmer in winter & cooler in summer
help improve insulation
reduce dampness and condensation
save you money on power bills
reduce air pollution locally More...
Save Power, Save Money, Save The World!
Here are some helpful and easy to follow hints that will really help you cut power consumption, save money and do your part in the battle to avoid power blackouts this winter. More...
Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority
Improving the energy choices we make. We encourage, promote and support the uptake of energ efficient initiatives and renewable energy in three key ways:
helping businesses to get more from their energy dollar
improving our lifestyles by promoting warmer, drier homes and better personal transport choices
protecting the environment through energy efficiency and renewable energy supply.
www.eeca.govt.nz
Sustainable Living Programme
Information is becoming more easily available on what you can do to save natural resources and have a healthier lifestyle - without it costing the earth.
The programme has been developed in several New Zealand centres since 2001 by councils, with support from environment centres, schools, WEA, marae and other adult education providers.
Check out the Sustainable Living website at www.sustainablehouseholds.org.nz
Sustainability Events Calendar
A broad range of Nelson Tasman organisations are working together to co-ordinate events and projects relating to sustainability. Click here to see whats going on in the region. This calendar is one of the first projects of the Sustainability Forum, that wants the Nelson-Tasman region to be a national leader in the sustainable development of communities and businesses. For more information about the Sustainability Forum contact Rob Francis, email rob.francis@tdc.govt.nz or phone 5438 484.
Sustainable Business Assistance
Administered by the Nelson Regional EDA and funded by the Nelson City Council, Tasman District Council, Nelson Tourism, and the Ministry of the Environment, the SBA is available to all businesses to provide free, impartial and non-binding advice to assist with the reduction in use of energy, minimization of waste streams and water usage.
Which Businesses Qualify for Assistance?
Any business in the Nelson or Tasman region interested in improving their operational efficiency, reducing resource use and waste production, and saving money may apply for assistance. However, priority will be given to those businesses actively willing to participate in improvement programmes.
Depending on the specific circumstances of the business, assistance may be supplied in a variety of forms.
What Does it Cost?
The advisory service is free, impartial and non-binding.
The Sustainable Business Advisor
David Francis has taken up the role as Sustainable Business Advisor. David is a Chemical and Materials Engineer with a Diploma in Geothermal Energy Technology. He has a strong interest in renewable energy technologies and has worked in the Nelson region for 14 years.
In addition to his engineering interests, David started and has operated a successful tourism business during this time. He has also tutored at the NMIT School of Tourism.
David can be contacted at:
Email: david@eda.co.nz
Mobile: 027 230 9942
Phone: 03 540 3221
Nelson Regional EDA
PO Box 370, Nelson
Compost is...
Plant and animal material naturally broken down by worms and soil bacteria and fungi. It is a natural plant food, soil conditioner and mulch.
Why compost?
It will enhance your garden.
Compost: encourages plant growth
improves drainage in heavy clay soil and conserves water in light sandy soil
keeps the soil cooler in summer, warmer in winter
increases aeration in compacted soil More...
Splash Gordon's water saving tips 
In the Yard
Place the sprinkler where it won't land on driveways or street. Better still, use a drip or spray system.
Water during the cool morning or evening to minimise evaporation.
Do not leave sprinklers or hoses unattended. Your garden hose can pour out 2,700 litres or more in just a few hours, so don't leave the sprinkler running all day. Use a kitchen timer to remind yourself to turn it off.
Use mulch to conserve water.
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