Momentum is building.
We're seeing increasingly stronger proposals for electrification, renewable energy, and how to reduce household power costs coming from across the political spectrum – all critical issues for New Zealand's future, says the NZ Green Building Council.
The Green Party's energy policy released today includes plans for a state-owned power generation company, investment in renewable electricity generation, stronger support for community-owned energy projects, and an expansion of Warmer Kiwi Homes.
“We're delighted to see greater recognition of the role warm, efficient homes play in reducing living costs while improving the health and wellbeing of Kiwi families,” says council chief executive Andrew Eagles.
“We’ve been pushing for this for some time. Investment in local renewable generation, combined with measures that help families reduce energy use, can deliver huge benefits for households, communities and the wider economy.”
The Council also backs the Green Party’s commitment to oppose any plan to build an LNG import terminal, which would lock us further into volatile world fossil fuel markets, delaying our electrification future.
Council research released in February showed clearly that LNG imports would cost households and businesses up to $8.3 billion over 15 years and drive up energy prices.
For more about NZGBC's vision for a smarter, lower-cost energy future, check out our Election Manifesto:
Buildings currently consume nearly a quarter of New Zealand’s electricity and a growing share of gas — much of it just to heat rooms and water.
“We urge all political parties to look carefully at these sensible options and take steps to implement them. We have the tech, the knowledge and evidence is all here – what New Zealand needs now is the political will,” says Andrew Eagles.
The manifesto outlines a series of practical, affordable actions:
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Updating the Building Code to reflect modern energy standards.
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Cutting red tape to unlock energy-efficient investments.
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Providing clearer information for buyers and renters.
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Supporting uptake of heat pumps, rooftop solar and battery storage.
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“These are not expensive or radical changes. They are sensible, proven solutions that will save money and strengthen our energy security,” says Andrew Eagles.