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Monday 12 May 2008

Home insulation applications invited

Occupiers of older homes in the Clutha District with little or no insulation are being invited to apply for insulation packages under the Clutha Healthy Homes Project.

This heavily subsidised project, which is managed by EnergySmart Ltd, enables 45 existing homes in the Clutha District Council area to be insulated at a minimal cost to the occupants by the end of June this year. 

Clutha District Co-ordinator Bruce Vollweiler said 20 homes had already been completed and the subsidy was available for a further 25 homes. 

Mr Vollweiler said that where required, and it was physically possible to install, homes are fitted with ceiling and under-floor insulation, hot water cylinder wraps, pipe lagging, and draught proofing.  Householders will also receive an energy check which looks at where energy is being used and advice on how it can be used more efficiently. 

The project targets homeowners who live in pre-1978 built homes and who have a Community Service Card.  Many may also have recurring respiratory or circulatory health issues.  Homeowners and their families can be referred by local medical centres and health related organisations, social service agencies, and Work and Income New Zealand.  

Cold damp homes have been found to directly affect the incidence of asthma in New Zealand, and insulating the homes can reduce the incidence of asthma, chest infections and colds.

An estimated 300,000 New Zealand homes do not have adequate insulation. Homes built before 1977 were not required by law to be insulated.

Homes that are not insulated lose up to 34% of their heat through the roof, up to 20% through walls, up to 26% through windows and up to 13% through the floor.

Results from a national study of 1,400 New Zealand homes by the Wellington School of Medicine showed that after they were insulated, homes were warmer and drier and there was a significant improvement in the health of the occupants.   People reported taking fewer sick days off work and school, and fewer GP and hospital visits.  Hospital admissions for respiratory conditions also decreased. 

Clutha District Council Mayor, Juno Hayes, said the project would have economic, health and social benefits for the whole community. “These include productivity gains for businesses as people take fewer sick days, and children missing out on less school due to illness.  Energy savings and advice will also help people to control spending on energy,” said Mr Hayes.

The project has attracted funding and support from the Clutha District Council, OtagoNet Joint Venture, Otago Southern Region PHO, Milton Rotary Club and the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA).

Mr Hayes said the joint approach by the Council and partners had made the project possible.

ENDS