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Energy Warm Homes Project
History of the project
Research phase
Photo courtesy of Wellington Regional Council.
The project started in 2004 and the first task was to collect data, assess all the different heating options, look at best practice overseas, and investigate incentive schemes that encourage householders to choose cleaner heating. This meant commissioning and publishing several reports.
To provide advice on the research we set up two advisory groups. One group included technical experts and the other group had representatives from local government. The project involved gathering information from other countries dealing with the same problem and commissioning new research – all with a view to developing a national approach. The publications have been finalised and the two reference groups have been disbanded.
The reports published in 2005 include:
- A baseline home heating survey: Warm Homes Technical Report: Home Heating Methods and Fuels in New Zealand
- A study rating heating appliances against a range of criteria for phase 1 and phase 2:
- A social drivers study to examine encouraging behaviour change for phase 1 and phase 2:
This research was aimed at policy makers in local and central government to help them in the development of policies and tools to target air pollution.
Implementation phase
The next step in the project was to implement the findings of the research. This showed that New Zealand homes could be retrofitted to be warm, dry and comfortable without emitting pollution to the air. This is achieved through a combination of insulation, and clean and efficient heating.
We put this model to the test by running three Warm Homes pilot studies. For these pilots we collaborated with various partners from industry, local government and community to retrofit insulation and install new efficient heaters: NES compliant wood burner, pellet fire, heat pump or flued gas heater.
We chose to run the pilots in Tokoroa, Timaru and Taumarunui due to the air quality problems they have during winter.
These pilots gained traction in the community because of our collaborative approach. This empowered the community to make its own decisions and take a lead on the problems. The community has the local knowledge necessary to identify appropriate solutions, which makes them the ideal partner in implementing a Warm Homes programme. We found that a one-size-fits-all approach does not meet the diverse needs of all people throughout New Zealand – each local area will have a unique solution.
As part of the Tokoroa trial, Environment Waikato carried out a real life emissions study (2005/06) on the old wood burners to develop a robust real life emissions factor for old non-compliant wood burners. The Ministry funded the counterpart of this research. With the new burners in place, the same testing was carried out on the NES-compliant burners to establish the real life emissions.
During 2006 seven workshops were held in six regions. The focus on of the workshops was raising awareness of the subject and bringing the community together. Workshops were modelled on the original approach taken in Timaru and Tokoroa before the trials being carried out. The workshops brought representatives from health, housing, education and council together to discuss the implications of PM10 and cold housing.
Key experiences from the three trials
Installing an on-ground vapour barrier
Photo provided by Ecoinsulation.
Trials in Tokoroa, Timaru and Taumarunui showed that New Zealand homes can be retrofitted to be warm, comfortable and energy efficient. In all cases, ceiling and under floor insulation, combined with an efficient heater, rounded out the warm homes package. Where appropriate, vapour barriers and small insulation measures such as draught stopping were part of the retrofit.
We began the engagement process by meeting with the community to raise awareness of the issue and to present what the possible solutions might be. This process helped to identify local funding partners and create industry partnerships.
An essential aspect of the trial was to find local partners who could help to co-fund the project. It was also useful to work with the community partners who were aware of location-specific conditions.
The houses we selected for retrofitting were not insulated and were using an open fire, old wood burner or another form of inefficient heating. We also favoured picking low income homes which were occupied by children and elderly people.
These trials have successfully raised awareness of air quality and energy efficiency issues. Participants have told us that they are more comfortable in their insulated homes and do not have to go to the doctor as often. We have also heard that pellet burners, flued gas heaters and heat pumps are very convenient to operate.
Funding
There are agencies which can help facilitate work similar to our trials. EnergyWise home grants have been available since 1996 to co-fund insulation projects. Since the beginning of the 2007/08 financial year a ‘clean heat’ component has been added to EnergyWise home grants. This is due to the work that the Ministry carried out as part of the Warm Homes project. This means that eligible houses will now be able to get the full Warm Homes package.
EECA have prepared case study reports for projects in Hawke’s Bay, Manukau and Wairarapa.
The Sustainable Management Fund can co-fund awareness and education based programmes. However, they do not sponsor capital projects.
Last updated: 8 October 2009
