Erin Roughton
Principal Energy and Carbon Specialist
Whakatū Nelson📍
Erin is the Principal Energy and Carbon Specialist at Whirika, with 35 years of experience in the sustainable energy industry. His previous company, Emsol - joined forces with Whirika in 2024.
Throughout his career, Erin has been passionate about eliminating energy waste, increasing the use of renewable energy, and reducing carbon emissions. A qualified professional engineer, he was part of the team that designed and constructed the first wind farms in the UK. After returning to New Zealand in 1993, he developed renewable energy policy and initiatives at EECA, later transitioning to its energy services team. Most recently, Erin led the team at Emsol, known for delivering clean technology, energy efficiency, and carbon reduction projects—helped clients collectively save millions of dollars in energy costs.
Erin helped some of the largest energy users of NZ understand and implement opportunities to reduce excessive use of energy. Combined with his engineering and analytical skills, Erin has an in-depth knowledge of efficiency improvement options in a wide range of technologies from process heat at industrial sites to HVAC systems in commercial buildings.
Some of his recent work includes producing decarbonisation plans for clients, analysing waste to energy options, and helping Tasman Tanning change to infrared dryers that reduced dryer carbon emissions by 80%.
Outside of work, Erin spends his time enjoying outdoor activities, landscape and wildlife photography, fishing, golf, chess, and travelling with family.
Qualifications:
Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Natural Resources from Lincoln University.
Technology Certificate of Management, Deakin University, 2000
Post Graduate paper – Energy Efficiency and Analysis, Massey 2007.
Energy Master Industrial Energy System Optimisation Specialist
Get In Touch!
erin.roughton@whirika.co.nz
027-449-5288