New Zealand Parliament to install solar panes

Wellington, Sep 25 In an effort to cut carbon emissions, the New Zealand Parliament will install solar panels and improve energy efficiency, Minister for Climate Change James Shaw said on Friday.

Shaw confirmed that Parliamentary Services will receive support through the Clean-Powered Public Service Fund to install solar PV and LED lighting, significantly reducing the carbon footprint of the historic parliamentary estate, reports Xinhua news agency.

"When the Zero Carbon Bill passed with unanimous support last year, most people would have expected that Parliament go another step and work to cut its own emissions," the Minister said.

Installing solar PV and LED lighting will reduce Parliament's carbon emissions by around 1,690 tonnes over the next 10 years, he noted.

"We have made huge progress over the last three years to transition New Zealand to net-zero carbon emissions, with progress on a whole host of areas including transport, clean energy and buildings," Shaw added.

( With inputs from IANS )