Beehive goes solar

Solar panels and LED lighting are to be installed at the Beehive as the Government takes action to cut its carbon footprint. Climate Change Minister James Shaw yesterday said solar panels would be installed to improve energy efficiency. ‘‘When the Zero Carbon Bill passed with unanimous support last year, most people would have expected Parliament to go another step and work to cut its own emissions,’’ Shaw said. ‘‘On top of the huge progress this Government has made to tackle the climate crisis, Parliament is leading by example and upgrading to use more clean energy.’’ Shaw confirmed Parliamentary Services would receive funding through the clean-powered public service fund to install the solar panels and LED lighting. This would reduce Parliament’s carbon emissions by about 1690 tonnes over the next 10 years. Shaw said ‘‘huge progress’’ had been made over the past three years to move New Zealand to net-zero carbon emissions. Progress continues on transport, clean energy and buildings.