Waimakariri District Council is stepping up its approach to sustainable practices in Council owned buildings.
At its September meeting the Council voted on a Notice of Motion brought by Councillor Al Blackie and supported by Councillor Niki Mealings.
Councillor Blackie requested that the Waimakariri District Council consider wherever practical, that all carpets installed or replaced in Council owned facilities be manufactured from New Zealand wool or New Zealand wool blend. The request was agreed by Council.
The recommendation was intended to support local manufacturing in New Zealand and for Council to be a leader in using sustainable products within its building network wherever practical.
Cr. Blackie says the decision to move to using New Zealand wool products would ensure that Council is taking a more ethical procurement approach to support our rural community.
“Nylon is predominantly made using plastic and we don’t need any more plastic in our environment. Wool provides the option of a naturally occurring renewable resource.
“There are new commercial grade wool products that are comparable in both cost and durability to synthetic carpets,” Cr. Blackie says.
Council is currently replacing (on average) $40,000 worth of carpet per year across its building network.
This generally services the renewal of up to two buildings.
To move to wool, it is anticipated that this figure would increase per annum to renew two buildings with new carpet. But that additional expense is expected to be low.
Cr. Blackie says the sustainability and environmental health benefits of switching to wool far out way the costs associated.
“It ticks all the boxes. It’s doable, it comes at a minimal extra cost of around only $1 extra per rate payer.”
Council has several significant projects within the next Long Term Plan, including Pegasus Community Centre, Ravenswood Community Centre, and renewals to Rangiora Library.
Council also renews (on average) six to seven pensioner units per year.
The plan is for these new facilities to now be fitted out with New Zealand Wool carpet.
“This is a small step but one in the right direction,” Councillor Blackie says.