Project LiteFoot’s work to help sports clubs around the country to reduce their energy use and waste has won them a national award.
Project Litefoot helps sports clubs around the country to reduce their energy use and waste through its LiteClub programme. The savings mean the clubs have more money for what is important: their sporting activities. Since the project started in 2008 they have saved clubs over $4.5 million.
The Wellington Community Trust has supported Project Litefoot – most recently with a grant of $20,000 – so they can work with clubs including Mana Cruising Club, Porirua Rowing Club and more than 20 others in the Porirua area, with a total of 97 in the Wellington region. The LiteClub team’s free service does all the work for the the clubs which includes putting in efficient lightbulbs, wrapping up their hot water cylinders, installing water-saving devices to taps and toilets, providing waste sorting stations, and also offering advice about recycling.
Cathy Scott from the Mana Cruising Club with Claire Keeling from Project Litefoot
Wellington clubs can sign up for help in August
The funding from Wellington Community Trust means that LiteClub will be doing more work in Wellington during August. Any interested clubs can sign up for help on the LiteClub website.
Litefoot wins 2016 EECA Supreme Award
The EECA Awards celebrate excellence and innovation in energy efficiency or renewable energy. The impact of the LiteClub initiative has earned Project Litefoot both the Community and Supreme Awards at the 2016 EECA Awards.
The judges said, ‘This is an impressive project that has got the world sitting up and taking notice. Once again New Zealand plays host to an original idea that is able to contribute so much internationally. It is a highly innovative way of gaining attention on an important issue – in a relatively untapped sector. Sport has much to contribute in energy efficiency and this work shows how collaboration in the field can inspire an environmental movement to achieve tangible results in greenhouse emission reductions and cost savings. It is a tremendous achievement that hints at an exciting and profitable future.’
Co-founder, Hamish Reid told us,’We are honoured and proud to have received this recognition for our hard work. It would not have been possible without help from the Wellington Community Trust. We would like to send our heartfelt thanks for your trust and confidence in us and our LiteClub programme.’