New Zealand's state sector has taken another step towards a clean energy future with six new projects that will be supported by the government's clean-powered public service fund.

The Lakes District Health Board, that covers Rotorua and Taupo, the University of Canterbury, Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand Defence Force, Inland Revenue, and MidCentral DHB will receive support so they can upgrade key parts of their operations to run on clean energy.

'The projects will reduce state sector carbon emissions by an estimated 14,730 tonnes annually and help lower New Zealand's dependence on fossil fuel. That's the equivalent of taking more than 6,000 petrol vehicles off the road,” says Minister for Climate Change James Shaw.

The projects are the second to be announced under the $200 million clean-powered public service fund, which is part of the government's New Zealand Upgrade.

'Upgrading our public services to run on clean energy is a hugely important part of the work this government is doing to create jobs and tackle the climate crisis.

'For too long, we have relied on climate-polluting fuels to keep parts of our public organisations running. Today's announcement is another step towards changing this and ensuring climate-friendly energy solutions are a part of our everyday lives.

'Our government has put in place in place some of the world's most ambitious climate targets, and made policy and institutional changes that will help us to bend the curve of our emissions downwards, something that has never happened before in New Zealand.

'However, the passing of world-leading climate laws must always be followed by detailed work in communities all over the country, and that's exactly what we are doing. The clean-powered public service fund is about supporting the public services we all rely on to be part of the solution to climate change,” says Shaw.

The clean-powered public service fund is helping hospitals, schools and other public organisations become clean and climate-friendly – by moving to low-emission vehicle fleets and heating for buildings, and energy efficient lighting.