Check out our eco-design information sheets – and make your home warm, dry, healthy and energy efficient:
Building materials: ways to identify and avoid using harmful building materials, such as toxic solvents, chemicals and glues (PDF 256 kb)
Insulation: how it works, your insulation options and costs, how to choose the best insulation for your house, and the government subsidies available. (PDF 290 kb)
Mould: ways to combat mould and keep your home warm and dry (PDF 233 kb)
Passive solar design: how to harness and store the sun’s energy for release overnight (PDF 263 kb)
Windows and curtains: how to position windows and use double-glazing and curtains to hold in free heat and reduce your power bills (PDF 202 kb)
Healthy homes standards
The healthy homes standards introduce specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture and drainage, and draught stopping in rental properties.
All private rentals must comply within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy after 1 July 2021, with all private rentals complying by 1 July 2024.
All boarding houses must comply by 1 July 2021.
All houses rented by Kāinga Ora (formerly Housing New Zealand) and registered Community Housing Providers must comply by 1 July 2023.
Many property managers arrange assessment for the requirements of the Healthy Housing Standard. HomeFit certification from the New Zealand Green Building Council will determine if a home meets the Healthy Housing Standard - but is also recommended for owner occupied homes. Even if considering HomeFit assessment, a personal visit by our Eco Design Advisor is strongly recommended for their experience and knowledge.
There are subsidies and help available for getting your home warmer and drier.
Warmer kiwi homes subsidies are available for insulation and heating. Eligibility for these subsidies is for homeowners with a Community Services Card - but can be by area. Check with EECA Warmer Kiwi Homes to see if you are eligible and apply online.
The Curtain Bank can provide free curtains to Community Services Card holders for your home. Visit the Curtain Bank website to apply.