Retro-insulation project targets 800 homes

Retro-insulation project targets 800 homes

Auckland may be basking in the summer sun now, but work is already under way to protect vulnerable families from the harsh impact of winter.

The Snug Homes project, which aims to insulate the homes of low-income families in the city, has set a target of 800 free insulations of older houses this year – aiming to beat last year’s total of 650.

Co-ordinated by the Tamaki Ki Raro Trust, the project has been able to expand due to increased support from a large team of funders, says Trust CEO Sharon Wilson. Together they have amassed more than $1.5 million to tackle the issue of cold and damp homes this year.

“Last year our efforts focused on Auckland City,” Ms Wilson says. “This year we will expand the project out into the greater Auckland Region as well.”

“We target houses built before 1977, when insulation became mandatory, and low-income households are a high priority. We focus on families with young children, particularly those with respiratory problems, and on the needs of older people.

It also has training benefits for those working on the project, she says. The teams gain valuable skills and a sense of purpose in doing such worthy work where families benefit.

Anybody who is eligible for a Community Services Card can apply for the free retrofitting, which can include ceiling and underfloor insulation, draft proofing, a water-efficient shower head, a thermal wrap for water heaters, pipe lagging and energy saver light bulbs.

“The impact is immediate. The health of children, especially those with chronic respiratory diseases, increases dramatically and the whole family benefits from a warmer house and lower power bills,” Ms Wilson says. “The total cost is around $2000 a house – less than the cost of a 24 hour intensive care unit stay at Starship Children’s Hospital.”

The project is jointly funded by the Energy Efficiency Conservation Authority, ASB Community Trust, Auckland City Council, Starship Foundation, ProCare Network Auckland, Procare Network Manukau, Auckland District Health Board, Manukau City Council and Papakura District Council. The Installation work is carried out by Eco Insulation.

The main funder is ASB Community Trust, which has put more than $1.4 million into Snug Homes ($550,000 to help start the project in 2006 and $900,000 this year). Trust CEO Jennifer Gill says it won support “because of the serious health risks faced by people living in cold, damp homes. The Trust sees the project as a way to make our communities better places for everyone to live.”
The Starship Foundation chose to make a second annual grant to Snug Homes based on the direct health benefits achieved from improved home insulation. Foundation CEO, Andrew Young, says his charity is increasingly focused on supporting community-based programmes which stop children needing hospital care in the first place.

For more information about Snug Homes, call (09) 477 0270 or visit www.snughomes.co.nz

ENDS

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