Where to get information

Too many houses in New Zealand are cold and damp - as research has shown. But the answer is not to go blasting more heat in. That's too costly, both financially and environmentally. The answer is to reduce dampness, then insulate and draught proof as much as possible ... so that moderate heating will keep the house cosy and warm.

Information on achieving this is available from independent organisations, government agencies, and commercial operators. All have their part to play. 

Independent organisations

Consumer and BRANZ

Consumer is funded independently - we don't have commercial or political ties. So the advice you get isn't "loaded". But that means we have to charge for providing information. We have to survive financially.

BRANZ receives a levy on building consents, which it uses to promote, fund and report on building-related science and research.

Consumer's information is aimed at householders. BRANZ publications, which are oriented to the building industry, are more technical - but they can be a good source of specific information on topics such as insulation or windows.

Energy Efficiency Community Network (EECN)

The EECN consists of independent non-profit energy trusts and is establishing a national network of energy advice centres.

The first EECN energy-advice centres are underway in Wellington, Auckland and Canterbury, with more planned. Their emphasis is on improving the energy performance of existing homes. Advice is free. The advice centres are funded by grants from central and local government, and other sources.  The advice centres can be reached on 0800 388 588.

Eco Design Advisors (EDA)

EDA services are another initiative made possible by central (through the Ministry for the Environment and EECA) as well as local government funding. These have been set up in eight local-authority areas (Waitakere, Auckland, North Shore, Hamilton, Tauranga/Western Bay of Plenty, Kapiti Coast, Wellington, and Queenstown) and are supported by BRANZ.

The Eco Design Advisors take a broader approach than EECN: they cover the design of new houses as well as planned alterations or renovations. They also look at water use, material selection and recovery and at transport planning. Their advice is free.

These networks of advisors are expanding. We hope they will cover the whole country. There's a lot of work to be done. If you're in an area that's not yet covered by one of them, contact EECN's project office (0800 EECN88). They may be able to help with contacts in your area.

What's good about these programmes is they offer a free, independent personalised service that can cut though time-consuming searching - and the resulting information-overload.

Central government organisations

These are free of commercial pressures although they're not politically independent - they promote government policy. But because they've got the resources to commission and present a lot of research information, they're good sources of background information.

Central government also gives grants to various organisations for specific tasks. For example, the Ministry for the Environment's Sustainable Management Fund part-funds projects that will bring long-term environmental benefits.

Useful websites include:

• www.eeca.govt.nz
• www.energywise.govt.nz
• www.dbh.govt.nz
• www.smarterhomes.org.nz
• www.ecan.govt.nz
• www.sustainability.govt.nz
   

Commercial websites

These have lots of useful information - including detailed product information. But remember they are trying to sell you something.

Some useful commercial websites include:

• www.beaconpathway.co.nz
• www.ecobob.co.nz
• www.righthouse.co.nz
• www.switchenergy.co.nz