In its advice to government today on the second Emissions Reduction Plan, the Climate Change Commission is backing calls to improve our existing buildings, recommending speeding up comprehensive retrofits to deliver healthy, resilient, low emissions spaces.
“Cold, draughty, inefficient homes are making Kiwi households sick, costing them a fortune to heat, and burdening our electricity grid. Transforming our homes is a key step not just in our journey to slash emissions, but in improving the lives of hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders, especially now in a cost-of-living crisis,” says Andrew Eagles, New Zealand Green Building Council chief executive.
Ahead of this year’s election The Homes We Deserve alliance of 170 organisations urged all political parties to promise an ambitious home reno programme to transform hundreds of thousands of New Zealand houses.
“There’s huge appetite for future proofing our existing buildings because of the pollution-busting potential, the pressure it can take off our electricity grid, and the benefits better buildings will have for Kiwi families, our health system, and businesses. So, we’re look forward to the government taking up the recommendations,” Andrew Eagles says.
The Commission has also recommended the government prevent fossil gas infrastructure and connections being installed in buildings unless there are no viable low emission alternatives.
“Electrification is the future, so why are we letting more homes and buildings join up to this highly-polluting, dying infrastructure? Every day new homes and buildings are installing this technology – locking in emissions and demand for decades to come. The next ERP must signal to Aotearoa that time is limited for gas.”
Today’s advice builds on earlier recommendations for the built environment, including rolling out the government’s Building for Climate Change programme, and energy labels on homes and buildings.
“The built environment accounts for up to 20% of New Zealand’s emissions. We’re already lagging on climate action, but fortunately there are steps we can take right now to slash emissions while also delivering better outcomes for Kiwi families and businesses. These steps help meet out new global commitment to double energy efficiency and meet our 2030 targets. What we need now is some leadership and an ambitious plan.”
You can read our full response to the 2023 draft advice in June here