Some facts about our homes

Did you know…

  • Cold and fluctuating temperatures are not good for our health.  In New Zealand we have one of the highest rates of asthma in the world.  Too many of our homes are cold and damp.
  • The indoor air quality of many of our homes is worse than the outdoor air quality.
  • The NZ Business Council for Sustainable Development produced a major research report in 2009 showing around 1 million of NZ’s 1.6 million homes are poorly insulated subsequently performing poorly compared to International standards.
  • Research has also indicated that it is not only the homes in the low socio economic groups that are under performing, it is homes belonging to owners from all sectors of our society, that are not up to standard.
  • A ShapeNZ study of 2610 New Zealanders, commissioned by the Business Council found that 71 per cent of homeowners thought their homes could be warmer and more comfortable.
  • More than $1 billion each year is spent by New Zealand households just to keep warm, heat water and run appliances
  • The average New Zealander spends $1,800 per year on gas, electricity and heating bills.
  • Water heating accounts for around 1/3 of each household’s energy bill.
  • Twenty five litres of moisture enters our homes each day from the ground underneath

Some more facts…

Buildings use;

  • 40% of the world’s raw resources (3 billion tons)
  • 16% of its fresh water
  • Up to 40% of its energy
  • 55% of the timber harvest

buildings produce;

  • 40% of solid waste going to landfill
  • 40% of harmful air emissions
  • 35% of the worlds CO2 emissions

Beacon Pathway Ltd (NZ) has researched the benefits of families living in sustainable homes.  They report increased warmth throughout the house leading to improved physical health, with fewer reported colds and flu.  Especially important were reports of the effects of a healthier environment for their children – less asthma, less medication, fewer days off school.  The participants of the study conducted by Beacon Pathway,  all reported happier, more relaxed families enjoying better relationships and socialising.