BENEFITS OF A SUSTAINABLE HOME
A sustainable home has less impact on the environment, but not at a cost to the occupiers.
You can make your home sustainable and reduce its impact on the surrounding environment in many ways.
THE PROBLEM
Each year, homes account for almost 30% of New Zealand's electricity consumption and are major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. Residential gardens are often a source of invasive non-native species that replace unique New Zealand fauna and flora.
HOW WILL YOU BENEFIT FROM A SUSTAINABLE HOME
COMFORT
A sustainable home is designed to fit the occupants’ needs and adapt to their changing requirements.
HEALTH
Asthma, headaches, eczema and sneezing fits are linked to moulds and other toxins found in most households.
Damp homes are a key factor in respiratory problems such as asthma, colds and flu, according to Otago University research.
While the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) says about 45% of New Zealand homes are too damp, technology can help eliminate the toxins, particulates and excessive moisture that cause respiratory diseases.
WARMTH
The Building Research Association of New Zealand (BRANZ) found that about 30% of New Zealand homes are colder than World Health Organisation recommended minimum temperatures (16°C in bedrooms, 18°C in living areas).
Sustainable homes use the sun’s energy, capturing heat for healthy, comfortable inside temperatures. A fully insulated house uses 50% less energy for heating than an uninsulated house.
Otago University research showed that householders in insulated homes took fewer sick days and visited their doctor less often than those living in houses without insulation.
COST
Insulation, smart heating options, and energy- and water-efficient appliances can make homes cheaper to run. The payback period for investing in insulation may be as little as 1 year for a simple hot water cylinder wrap, or 3 years for ceiling insulation.
INVESTMENT
Green homes also appear to be a wise investment. A survey conducted by Realestate.co.nz suggests that one in 10 people are prepared to pay up to 25% more for a sustainable home. Banks are starting to offer ‘green mortgages’ providing customers with a package of discounts on eco-friendly home products because they predict that these homes will better retain value over time.
Poll: Have you ever had a scary flight?
A plane flying from Christchurch to Wellington on Sunday had smoke billowing out of the engine and upon landing, passengers had to open the emergency exit and jump out. Have you had any scary flying experiences?
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56.4% Yes!
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43.6% No, it's always been smooth flying
ALEXANDER ROAD SPEED LIMIT
Alexander Road in Trentham-Wallaceville of which 50% separates a golf course from a military encampment enclosure and the rest has mostly high fenced off industrial and residential areas on both sides, should have a 70km speed restriction.
Only a short time ago the road had a 80km restriction and was reduced to a pedestrian 50km much to the frustration of many. It has never been an accident prone stretch of road.
The several round-abouts ensure speed is reduced to 30-40km when these things occur.
I recently stayed a few days in Feilding - often given the title of the best town in NZ - and one of the lengthy main streets has a 70km speed restriction despite a predominance of unfenced residential properties on both sides.
LIVE Q&A: Financial well-being with Cat Rikihana
Today (Wednesday) we're having another Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with Cat Rikihana who is a financial mentor, educator and financial capability practitioner at Financial Freedom Trust in the Manawatū.
Cat Rikihana (Ngai Tahu) like many financial mentors around Aotearoa, works with individuals, groups and whānau to successfully navigate financial stress and hardship. Mentors work alongside whānau to increase confidence and skills in personal money management and advocate with and for clients. Cat enjoys delivering online and face-to-face workshops which provide opportunities to normalise money conversations and encourages people to make time to consider their financial well-being.
Cat is also an independent financial well-being coach, educator and indigenous life coach at Restore Wellness Network. She is a published writer and currently in the process of writing her first non-fiction book: 'A financial self-care guide for women in Aotearoa.'
She'd love to answer any questions you may have around your budgeting and spending habits, strategies for saving, retirement planning and debt. (Don't be shy, but be mindful about what you disclose!)
↓ Share your questions now and Cat will reply to your comment below ↓
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