Insulation requirements help climate challenge

30 October 2007 NEWS RELEASE from

Tasman Insulation New Zealand Higher insulation requirements help meet the climate change challenge

The requirement from today for higher levels of insulation in new homes in the South Island and central plateau of the North Island is a big step in housing stock adjusting to climate change, says Tasman Insulation New Zealand.

“This move by the Government represents an important milestone towards improving insulation levels of new homes. New Zealand has lagged many OECD countries but is now catching up.” said Bill Smith, General Manager of the company.

“It is a worthwhile step toward meeting the challenges of climate change because of the impact it will have on lifting energy efficiency and conservation levels in the country’s housing stock.

“The thermal efficiency benefit of sufficient insulation along with the provision of double glazing, which will be required in most homes, re-emphasises the importance of incremental moves that will save energy and reduce demand electricity.

“The simplicity of property owners doing their bit for the environment through such a non-complex gesture as having their builder or designer put higher levels of insulation in to their new homes has to be a plus. Furthermore, the fact that households get a payback for the extra expense through lower energy bills makes it a logical move.

“Energy efficiency and conservation through improving the thermal performance of houses is one of the most cost effective ways of meeting the climate change challenge. This step, when taken in conjunction with the Government’s insulation retrofit programme for existing homes, is evidence that New Zealand is responding to environmental need.”

ENDS

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