Smarter use of energy helps our environment
About a third of New Zealand's electricity comes from burning coal, gas and oil at power stations - producing greenhouse gases which cause Earth's atmosphere to heat up and the climate to change.
The rest of our electricity comes from renewable sources, mostly hydro. Wind power is starting to blow our way but it currently only contributes about 2% of total energy generation.
By being less wasteful with the energy we use in our homes and following as many of the tips in this booklet as we can, we will reduce our energy demand and help address climate change.
Building right brings home the benefits
It may look ordinary, but this west Auckland house was designed to be extraordinarily good for its occupants and the environment.
The house maximises the free heat of the sun with high levels of insulation, double-glazing and solar water heating. Energy-efficient appliances and lighting are also used. And all power use is monitored.*
The result is a warmer, drier, healthier home which is cheaper to run. Joe and Hayley Blair and their two sons are paying 45% less on energy bills than in their previous house. "It's the best house we've ever lived in," says Hayley.
The family is now much more aware of how using less energy helps protect the environment. They know that in reducing energy demands, less electricity is made by burning fossil fuels at power stations (a process which produces greenhouse gases). "We didn't think too much about the impact of how we live, but even the children are asking questions," Joe says.
Now the Blairs want to buy their own house, one which has as little impact on the environment as possible.
* The house, called the Waitakere NOW HomeŽ, is a live research project by consortium Beacon Pathway Ltd.
