Who is involved in developing a HERS? EECA (Energy Efficiency & Conservaton Authority) is leading the development in consultation with the Department of Building and Housing and the Ministry for the Environment. These three organisations make up the Joint Working Group which will oversee the development of the programme. An Expert Advisory Group, which includes building specialists, will provide high quality advice on technical matters. A wide range of stakeholders will also be involved through consultation throughout HERS development. Building Code review The current Building Code review offers an excellent opportunity for EECA to work with the Department of Building and Housing to align standards around energy efficiency for new homes. It is anticipated that a HERS will provide a means of measuring Building Code compliance for energy efficiency. Why is a HERS being developed? We need get smarter about energy use. Energy demand is growing fast, prices are rising and climate change is looming ? New Zealand?s current energy situation is not sustainable. The residential sector accounts for 12% of New Zealand?s energy use and 34% of our electricity use, so we need to get smarter about how our homes use energy and how we use energy in our homes. We have too many old, cold homes Insulation only became mandatory for New Zealand homes in 1977 ? as a result we have over 300,000 homes that are old, cold and poorly insulated, and our houses compare poorly against other countries in the OECD. Lack of insulation means any heat generated is lost quickly and waste which means these homes waste energy and money ? and they can be uncomfortable to live in. New Zealand also has one of highest rates of asthma in world ? cold, damp homes are a contributor. A study has shown that the health benefits of insulation include fewer hospital admissions for respiratory illness, less GP visits, and fewer sick days off work or school. Overseas experience In 2005 EECA commissioned a study to see how rating schemes have worked around the world. Schemes have successfully been implemented in Europe, North America and Australia and we have learned what makes a successful programme. By using the overseas experience to draw from we can create a successful HERS for the New Zealand environment. Information on improving a home?s energy efficiency When homes are assessed and rated, homeowners will also be given information about how they can improve their home?s energy efficiency - and therefore its rating. Overseas experience has shown that high rating homes are more attractive to buyers, which acts as a driver for homeowners to invest in improving the energy efficiency of their home. It is expected that a HERS will produce similar results in New Zealand. Which houses will need a HERS? EECA?s priority market is middle-to-high income earners, and landlords, responsible for poorly insulated pre-1977 homes. However, a HERS will be able to be applied to any New Zealand house. Voluntary first; mandatory will be considered later The HERS is being introduced first as a voluntary scheme for homeowners to declare a rating at point of sale or lease. Depending on how this goes, the declaration may be made mandatory at some point in the future. For HERS to have an impact on consumer awareness and drive energy efficiency improvements it would need to become mandatory at some point. An initial voluntary phase is necessary to ensure the HERS is running smoothly and effectively. There?s no pass or fail for HERS A ?mandatory? scheme means mandatory disclosure of a rating, likely at point of sale or lease. The HERS is not about setting minimum standards ? it?s about people knowing what they?re getting when they buy. What will actually be measured in a Home Energy Rating? This is still a work in progress, but in broad terms there are three key areas that will be measured: building envelope, space heating and water heating. Measurements around the building envelope will determine how well a home is designed to retain heat in winter or cool itself in summer ? determining the efficiency of the building envelope is the foundation of all existing house energy ratings. Space heating and water heating account for the majority of a home?s energy use (34% and 29% respectively) ? therefore it is intended that the Home Energy Rating will also incorporate the efficiency of a home?s space and water heating systems. Benefits of Insulating Your Home Improved Thermal Comfort All Year Round: Insulation assists greatly in keeping heat within a building in winter and slowing the flow of heat into the building in summer. An insulated building will therefore be warmer in winter and cooler in summer, creating a more comfortable environment all year round. Reduced Noise Levels: Insulation is an excellent sound absorber and can assist in reducing noise transmission through walls, ceilings and floors making the home or work environment quieter. Saving on Energy Costs: Insulating can cut the cost of heating and cooling by over 40%. Insulating the ceiling of a house has the potential to save 20-30% on heating and cooling bills. Heating and air conditioning units don?t have to run as hard or as long to achieve the desired temperature in the building. Helping The Environment: Insulation is an acknowledged way to reduce the consumption of fossil fuels which add to the greenhouse effect. Condensation Control: Condensation can occur on the inside surface of a roof or ceiling at any time when the temperature of the surface is at or below the dew-point of the air in contact with it. NOTE: Material extracted from ECCA website www.ecca.govt.nz
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