9. STEVE CHADWICK (Labour—Rotorua) Link to this
to the Minister for Building Issues
What reports has he received on proposals to improve the energy efficiency of New Zealand homes?
Hon CLAYTON COSGROVE (Minister for Building Issues) Link to this
The Government’s initiatives to reduce the amount of energy required to heat new homes, to heat water in new homes, and to light, heat, ventilate, and air condition commercial buildings have been warmly received. I agree with the Registered Master Builders Federation when it said that it is important that good progress is made in the area of sustainable building, and with Jennian Homes when it said that such initiatives are important for consumers.
Hon CLAYTON COSGROVE Link to this
Higher thermal insulation performance requirements for new homes—walls, floors, ceilings, and windows—could potentially save these homeowners up to 30 percent on their electricity and gas bills. For example, I am advised that the annual energy savings could range from 5,205 kilowatt-hours per year for a home in Auckland, for instance, to 12,720 kilowatt-hours per year for a home in Dunedin. An approved solution, making it easier to install solar water heating systems, could potentially save homeowners who choose this option up to 50 percent of their water heating bills. These homes will be healthier, drier, and more comfortable, and homeowners will also benefit from a higher capital value from having an energy-efficient home, if, and when, they come to sell.
Hon Bill EnglishWhere is the consistency in the Government imposing these higher upfront costs on homeowners because of the benefits in terms of a sustainable environment, when the Government, in putting up its own new buildings, follows a different policy, such as when it told Clutha Valley School—
Hon Trevor Mallard
Madam SPEAKERI raise a point of order, Madam Speaker. I have observed over recent months your regularly throwing out of the House members who interrupt during a question. That was consistent barracking.
I am sorry, but the member will be aware that the rulings are that interjections are permitted; barracking is not. That was an interjection—I called “Order!”—just as there are also interjections from that side of the House during questions. Would the member please proceed.
The distinction is that the person can be heard. Barracking is when it is impossible to hear. A solitary interjection was not loud enough that members could not hear the member.
Where is the consistency in the Government imposing upfront costs on homeowners for long-term sustainability benefits, but in terms of its own buildings, such as the new Clutha Valley School, telling that school’s board to remove from its plans solar heating, natural-light roofing, high-grade double glazing, high-grade batts, and an efficient heating system?
Hon CLAYTON COSGROVE Link to this
The member should breathe through his nose. I am advised that the school has been peer reviewed by an architect whom the school agreed to, who has found that in all but one case the same job and the same techniques can be done in a more economical way. In respect of the first part of the member’s question, in relation to the imposition of costs, the choice is for new homeowners as to whether they challenge their builders or designers upfront to look at their family profile and say whether, if they were to spend a few more dollars on some of these energy-efficient measures, they could have a long-term cost saving of—as I said—perhaps 30 percent per year in their gas and power bills, which is a huge payback in these high energy cost times.
Gordon CopelandHas the Minister considered an initiative that would require, over time, all houses sold, leased, or let in New Zealand to be assessed for their energy efficiency and given a standardised energy-efficiency rating, in much the same way as washing machines and fridges are given one today; if so, what is being done to explore this idea further?
Hon CLAYTON COSGROVE Link to this
I believe that Jeanette Fitzsimons, in relation to her responsibilities in respect of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority, is studying an action on that very point.
Hon Dr Nick Smith Link to this
Why did his Government promise in 1999 to upgrade the building code to improve energy efficiency, when now, 7 years later, nothing has been done; and can he be explicit as to when that upgrade will actually be achieved, or will it be another 7 years of all talk and no action?
Hon CLAYTON COSGROVE Link to this
I can say that in my role—and I have been 1 year in the job—I am committed to ensuring that these changes—
Hon CLAYTON COSGROVE Link to this
Just settle down. The changes will be in place by October 2007. As Minister for Building Issues I am committed to those changes being made, just as I am committed to the ongoing implementation of the Building Act 2004, the licensing of building practitioners, the ongoing protection of DIYers, changes and enhancements to the Weathertight Homes Resolution Service, product certification, investigation of home warranty insurance, the reviewing of the building code—all work that could have been done when that member was a Minister. He had 9 years to do it but sat on his chuff and did nothing.