Solar and pedal power will help run a "pop-up city" for three days at the Sustainable City Showcase at The Cloud on Auckland's waterfront.

Organised by the Sustainable Business Network, the conference features 110 sustainable exhibitions and is about committing to making a difference to emissions and showing how it can be done, said SBN chief executive Rachel Brown.

"It's only right that our organisation acts as a role model when it comes to sustainable forms of energy use and this event gave us a valuable opportunity to show that renewable energy sources are a real viable option."

Seventy per cent of the event's power will be provided through the grid by Meridian Energy from all renewable sources. The remaining 30 per cent will come from solar panels and people pedalling bikes to produce power.

Energy efficiency has been incorporated into every aspect of the conference.

"Walking the talk also meant we were in a better position to ask all exhibitors to be as energy efficient as possible," Brown said.

"Natural lighting has been used, and for evening lighting, Phillips has provided energy efficiency advice to exhibitors, who will be using the latest in energy efficient, LED lighting technology."

Any remaining emissions from exhibitor displays will be offset through the Sustainability Business Network's tree planting programme, Carbon4Good.

SUSTAINABLE CITY SHOWCASE

WHERE: The Cloud, Queens Wharf 

WHEN: November 22 to November 24

- © Fairfax NZ News

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