New Zealand Parliament to install solar panes

Shaw confirmed that Parliamentary Services will receive support through the Clean-Powered Public Service Fund to install solar PV and LED lighting, significantly reducing the carbon footprint of the historic parliamentary estate, reports Xinhua news agency.

"When the Zero Carbon Bill passed with unanimous support last year, most people would have expected that Parliament go another step and work to cut its own emissions," the Minister said.

Installing solar PV and LED lighting will reduce Parliament's carbon emissions by around 1,690 tonnes over the next 10 years, he noted.

"We have made huge progress over the last three years to transition New Zealand to net-zero carbon emissions, with progress on a whole host of areas including transport, clean energy and buildings," Shaw added.