Home owners offered free healthy home assessments

Christchurch people rebuilding or repairing their earthquake damaged homes can now get free advice to ensure they are warm, dry and energy efficient.

Build Back Smarter is a free service providing advice about insulation, heating methods and energy saving measures such as double glazing, ventilation and lighting.

The advisory service is a joint initiative involving the Christchurch City Council, the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (CERA), and the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA).

Homeowners can contact one of the service's assessment providers who will prepare a healthy home improvement plan tailored to the needs and budget of the home owner.

Christchurch City Councillor and housing spokesperson Glenn Livingstone says about 20,000 homes will be rebuilt or repaired over the next three years.
"This is the perfect time to consider building in energy efficiency options which will make homes warmer, drier, healthier and cheaper to run," Councillor Livingstone says.

"We expect the service will be popular because it is free. However, the improvements are voluntary and homeowners need to meet the cost of the recommended changes," he says.

"Introducing energy efficiency into your rebuild makes good sense. It might cost a bit more to start with, but it will save money in the long term."
Major banks are supporting the service by extending mortgages and waiving application fees.

Low income families with health issues may be eligible for free ceiling and underfloor insulation through Warm Up New Zealand.

Over the next three years the Council will invest up to $600,000 in the service - about 40 per cent of the total cost - with partner organisations paying the remainder.

Although Build Back Smarter is primarily for earthquake repairs or rebuilding, it is available to all Christchurch home owners and landlords.

Community Energy Action, Right House and Smart Energy Solutions are Build Back Smarter advisors. Homeowners can engage them to do the recommended home improvements but are also free to choose their own tradespeople.

People interested in taking advantage of the free assessments can go to www.buildbacksmarter.co.nz for more information.

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