4 June 2014
Council takes Innovator of the Year Award
The Eco Design Service at Palmerston North City Council has been recognised with the Carter Holt Harvey ‘Innovator of
the Year’ Award from the Building Officials Institute of New Zealand.
The Eco Design Service is an initiative launched by the Building Research Association of New Zealand (BRANZ) and offered
in seven Councils across the country, of which Palmerston North City Council is one.
“This is a great service that has helped many thousands of people across the country primarily by offering free,
independent one-on-one advice. This approach in itself is very innovative,” Nelson Lebo eco design advisor at Palmerston
North City Council said.
The free service is aimed at helping New Zealand home owners make the best use of energy, water and materials to ensure
their home is a warm, dry, comfortable and sustainable. The service is available to people who are building new homes as
well as those carrying out small or large renovations.
“Whether you have five dollars to spend on draught-proofing, $50,000 on a major renovation, or $500,000 to build your
dream home, I can offer advice on ways to make your dollars go further for you in terms of energy performance and
sustainability.” says Nelson.
“I’m available to discuss your options for building, renovating, or for keeping your home warmer, drier and with a lower
energy bill.”
The Eco Design Service is also offered in Auckland, Hamilton, Kapiti Coast, the Hutt Valley, Nelson and Invercargill.
All Councils offering the service were recognised with the Award.