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Keeping you up to date with advances in sustainable plumbing and gasfitting.
Kiwis take positive steps towards improving homes2.5.12 Thousands of Kiwi homeowners are taking practical steps to improve the health of their homes, say statistics from a recent New Zealand home rating initiative led by Homestar, the free rating tool for NZ homes. Homestar director Krista Ferguson says more than 11,000 homes have now been assessed through the organisation's online 'home health' test available at www.homestar.org.nz. Ms Ferguson says statistics from the campaign also revealed that a greatly increased number of Canterbury residents visited the site to complete the test, suggesting there is a clear need in that region for solid guidance on the best way to build and repair homes to a high standard. The free online Homestar test covers areas including heating, water-use, waste management, insulation and ventilation. The test calculates a rating from one to ten stars based on these factors as well as creating a Recommendations Report, suggesting practical, cost-effective improvements specific to each individual home. Ms Ferguson says most homes assessed by the Homestar test rated at four stars or less, out of a possible ten. "With the increasing interest we are seeing from homeowners in improving their home's health, we can see this average rating shifting upwards in future as the building industry responds to consumer demand," says Ms Ferguson. An interactive infographic is now also available on Homestar's website, helping consumers see how they can improve their homes in warmth, comfort and efficiency. |
Kiwi 'eco' bach takes third place in US competition5.10.11  The Victoria University team's Meridian First Light house was awarded an impressive third place at the US Department of Energy Solar Decathlon, with the results announced on 1 October.  The decathlon saw 19 university teams taking on the challenge of designing, building and operating solar-powered houses that are cost-effective, energy efficient and attractive. The competition is made up of 10 contests in various different areas, and the Victoria University won the engineering contest and gained first equal in hot water and energy balance. The house managed to produce more energy than it consumed over the competition, despite 10 days of rain and overcast skies in Washington. Master Plumbers Information Partner LEAP Australasia Ltd, who supplied all the water systems to the house, say they are thrilled with the result for the team. "Our New Zealand technologies have been taken to Washington and it has been proven they are equal to those available worldwide," says managing director Jay Wester. LEAP's water heating system comprised a Solargenius solar water heating system and a Thermagenius heat pump water heating system. The company also supplied fire sprinklers, the plumbing system and an innovative drying cupboard powered by the excess hot water from the Solargenius system. |
Rebuild Canterbury homes for long-term sustainability, says NZGBC28.9.11 Bettering Canterbury's housing stock for greater sustainability should be a key pillar in any rebuilding planning, says the CEO of New Zealand Green Building Council (NZGBC). This issue was discussed in Christchurch last week at the second in a series of three 'Green CityDialogues' hosted by the NZGBC. The meeting was a forum for building industry representatives to discuss how rebuilding and renovating Canterbury homes sustainably could deliver better long-term outcomes for the region. "There is an opportunity for the industry to deliver sustainable solutions in the rebuilding and repair plans," says Alex Cutler, CEO of the NZGBC. "There is also a strong need for leadership and creative solutions, as well as help and guidance for Canterbury homeowners that focuses on pragmatic solutions for the community." Cutler says that the Homestar home rating tool is a key measure of the environmental performance of stand-alone homes that is already available to the community, and could greatly support the greening of the residential sector in Canterbury. "It provides a benchmark for rating the environmental attributes of New Zealand homes to increase their warmth, health and comfort, alongside practical guidance for how to achieve this," she says. |
First certified homes for Homestar5.8.11  The first certified homes assessed under the Homestar residential rating tool have been unveiled at an event supported by online property market portal Realestate.co.nz. Homestar is a voluntary home rating system developed by the New Zealand building industry and backed by the Government that aims to help Kiwis create healthier, more comfortable and energy-efficient living spaces. "We are delighted to now have homes with official Homestar ratings available on the property market," said Homestar CEO Alex Cutler. "This is an important developmental step in the process of improving the overall stock of New Zealand homes." To achieve a certified rating, a home's attributes contributing to its comfort, health and performance are measured by a Homestar Assessor, who typically spend a few hours at the home. Factors such as the level of insulation, type of heating, water use, waste, ventilation and indoor air quality are taken into account, and a rating from one to ten stars given. The homeowner then receives a Homestar Certified Rating, along with a unique registration number for authentication purposes. "The assessment is not compulsory, though over time it is expected that market forces will encourage more home owners to obtain a Homestar Certified Rating when buying or selling a home," said Cutler.  Find out more at homestar.org.nz. |
HPWH grants scheme1.3.11 EECA has launched a new grants scheme for homeowners who install eligible heat pump water heaters.
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