New service to help protect environment and save money

Council's new eco-design advisor, Sarah Fleet, is the person to call if you're taking on house renovations, building a new home, or just want some information about how to make the most of your resources.

Sarah offers free building advice to homeowners to help them minimise their impact on our environment while also potentially saving them money on things like energy and heating bills.

With a background in building science, Sarah can suggest sustainable building materials to use, and help people reduce construction waste and increase the efficiency of energy and water use.

She also has ideas for homeowners looking to make small changes without a lot of effort.

"Small changes can make a big difference. Things like insulating water pipes, draught proofing and making sure there's plenty of ventilation when you use a clothes dryer," she says.

Eight other councils across New Zealand are already offering a similar service and Sarah is excited to get started in her new role.

"It's an opportunity for me to help people make really smart choices about their homes and protect our environment.

"By building more sustainably people could increase the resale value of their home. With things like improved insulation and more efficient heating, they could even reduce the number of times they get sick and have to make a visit to their doctor."

Sarah is keen to work with the local design and construction industry to promote more sustainable building practices.

She can also help people access funding schemes like the Government's Energy Wise programme.

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