At a public lecture by Energy Minister David Parker in Alexandra yesterday, Mr Sydney said sustainability should start in the home, and be promoted on a national level by the Government.
Mr Sydney said the Government had provided little incentive for people to become more sufficient at home, and reduce their personal consumption of electricity.
"Not nearly enough emphasis has been placed on the conservative use of power in houses, and I'm disappointed the Government has not provided incentives for the use of things like solar power," Mr Sydney said.
Mr Parker agreed self-sufficiency on an individual level within New Zealand would help the country towards a more sustainable future.
But he said the cost of providing an incentive for home owners, by the way of a subsidy, would likely drive taxes up and would be unpopular.
About 40 people attended the lecture at Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery, during which Mr Parker demonstrated the Government's plans for the future in regard to energy, transport, and the climate.
