solarZero
Solar-power company uses natural heating and cooling to help staff feel connected to their mission.
Keeping comfy in the office
solarZero is New Zealand’s only all-in-one solar power company. They supply solar as a service. That means customers pay for solar electricity, but not for solar panels, batteries, or installation.
The team at solarZero are all about energy efficiency. They’ve even found a few changes they can make in their own office to save power and money. Instead of running two air conditioning units each day, they now choose just one, and only when really needed. In winter, that’s usually in the morning. In summer, it’s likely afternoon. When in use, it’s set at a comfy 21°C.
Some days, they don’t need air con at all. Instead, they adjust blinds, doors and windows to keep in heat or get a breeze blowing.
Staff know all the guidelines for making the system work well. This includes when to switch the air con off and on. And whether to leave doors and windows open or closed at different times of the year.
Mirjam Oord, Director of People and Capability
“Our business is all about reducing emissions through renewable energy,” says Mirjam Oord, Director of People and Capability. “Improving our own energy efficiency has helped staff feel more connected to both our mission and their role in a zero-carbon Aotearoa.”