DOC campsites go energy efficient

The Department of Conservation (DOC) is going green with its campsites, introducing new energy efficient upgrades.

The first overhaul was recently completed at Peel Forest in Canterbury, which included the installation of solar panels, gas hot water systems and five minute shower timers.

The department is running a national programme to reduce costs through regular energy audits and plans to save more than $650,000 a year.

Other power savings will be made through the purchase of 70 new vehicles and rechargeable battery kits.

Director-general of conservation Al Morrison said the energy efficient options were often seen as more expensive, but DOC had found they could produce massive reductions to the bottom line.

"This frees up valuable resources for conservation work on the ground," he said.

- NZPA