Kiwis want sustainable, healthy homes

New Zealanders have spoken and they want to own and create healthy and efficient homes

Kiwis want sustainable, healthy homes
New Zealanders want reliable and independent assurance that they are buying and building healthier homes, which meet high standards of sustainability and efficiency, according to a report from the Green Building Council.

This demand is evidenced by the increase in the number of new homes registering, for the last three years, under the Homestar tool.

Introduced by the New Zealand Green Building Council in 2011, Homestar was a response to the property and construction sector’s desire to provide a “stamp of approval” for homes built in New Zealand. 

“As we look to build significantly more homes it’s important that quality is championed,” NZGBC chief executive Andrew Eagles said. 

“Home buyers want to know that the house they’re moving into is going to be healthy for their families, suit their life style and be built to a high standard. It’s fantastic to see the number of these warm and efficient homes rise from 670 to 6,700 in just two years.”

Rise in uptake is “good to see”, councillor and chair of Environment and Community Penny Hulse said. 

“The houses that we build now will be standing for the next 100 years. It’s important that we get it right first time,” she said.

“The type of home that receives a Homestar rating is the type of housing that we want to see more of. They help homeowners save money year on year, result in better health and well-being and help reduce our climate impacts.”

The new Homestar standard will be available from end of July. Its release follows six months of industry input, a national tour, advisory group and scoping papers and makes the assessment process easier for the building and construction industry.