Home | Contact | Login
Find eco products and services e.g. solar hot water, house hold items and more
View photos and information on eco friendly homes or list your own eco house
Learn about sustainable living - info, events, news etc
Chat about sustainable living / eco living topics with other Ecobob users
Buy eco products online using our secure online shop

Search Eco Articles


 (Optional)

Category


Location

Right House - A new approach to comfortable, healthy and energy efficient homes

Guide to Smarter Insulation

Wednesday, December 05, 2007
View the full PDF document (3Mb)

As a nation, we are committed to using energy wisely and effi ciently. As a New Zealander, you can do your bit to help. Improving the energy effi ciency of your house means both lower power bills and a warmer, more comfortable home.

Much of the energy we use in our homes and buildings is wasted or could be reduced. A booklet produced by the Department of Building and Housing, Your Guide to a $marter Home, tells you how to cut your power bill (available online at www.smarterhomes.org.nz or by ringing 0800 242 243). This booklet –Your Guide to $marter Insulation – provides more detailed information on important Government initiatives to reduce energy use in new homes and buildings. From 31 October 2007, there are new minimum standards for insulation in every home built in the South Island and Central Plateau of the North Island. In most instances, this will mean the use of double glazing. By 30 September 2008, all new New Zealand homes will need to meet these new insulation standards, resulting in these homes using about 30 percent less energy to stay comfortably warm.

All major extensions to existing homes will also need to meet the new insulation requirements.

From 31 October 2007 there are also new minimum standards for lighting in commercial and other large buildings.

With the publication in October 2007 of an Acceptable Solution, getting a building consent to install solar water heating will also be easier. This clearly lists the necessary design features that a solar water heating system should include to comply with the Building Code and obtain a building consent.

Your Guide to $marter Insulation outlines the changes for those building or considering building. It provides technical details to assist builders, designers and others who are building or renovating.

Some cost is added to a new home by new insulation requirements. See how these costs are more than met over time by reduced power bills in a new, more energy-effi cient home and building. There is a payback to your pocket, New Zealand and the planet.
Click here to view the full article