Insulation only part of the solution
Take a look at our Fuel Poverty Awareness campaign website:
The recent ‘Perceptions of New Zealand Housing’ report from Statistics New Zealand provides strong evidence of the widespread conditions contributing to fuel poverty
in New Zealand, underscoring the timeliness of the www.warmerwinters.org.nz campaign on the issue.
The campaign run by Community Energy Network (CEN) and ActionStation.org.nz includes a survey asking Kiwis for their experiences of living in cold, damp homes.
Data from the Statistics New Zealand report matches that which is being collected by the CEN campaign; there is a strong
correlation between standard of living and housing problems. Both sources identifying those in lower socio-economic
brackets are most susceptible to the health and financial problems caused by poor housing.
While evidence is mounting for urgent action needed to improve housing standards, the fate of the Government’s Warm Up
New Zealand programme is still unknown, a four year programme initiated in 2009 to insulate homes. With 280,000 homes
insulated, another 900,000 remain un-insulated and in need.
Jo Wills, Executive Officer of CEN says, ‘While insulation plays a foundational role in addressing the thermal capacity
of the home it’s only part of the solution. Poorly maintained homes with leaks, draughts, poor ventilation and
insufficient window coverings contribute to cold, damp unhealthy environments, even after insulation.’
Extensive research on energy efficiency shows attempting to heat a home without addressing the other causes of dampness
and cold is often a very expensive and futile exercise. This issue is supported by the fuel poverty survey where
alarmingly, over 40% of online survey respondents have indicated that instead of switching heating sources to make it
more affordable to heat their homes; they have chosen to use less heating.
“We support ongoing subsidies for insulating houses’ says Jo Wills, Executive Officer of CEN, but it’s vital we bring
all housing up to a minimum energy performance standard. The report from Statistics New Zealand couldn’t have come at a
better time; it highlights the real ‘whole of house’ issues that need to be addressed, which is what we are advocating
for.”
The survey can be completed online at www.warmerwinters.org.nz