Existing Homes
Improving our existing homes
Our research is focusing on ways to improve not just new homes, but the nation’s 1.6 million existing houses, many of which are cold, draughty, energy-wasting, resource-hungry, and costly to run and maintain. We’re asking “How can we make any house, whether built ten, twenty or fifty years ago, more energy and water efficient, produce less waste, be healthier to live in and more affordable for its occupants?”
The HomeSmart Renovation project
The HomeSmart Renovation project aims to demonstrate the benefits of sustainable renovation on a large scale. Over 600 homeowners will receive an individually tailored renovation plan (based on our research so far) which shows participants how to get the best return on their investment, by drawing up a detailed pathway to improve the sustainability of their home. Through the HomeSmart Renovation Project, we’re developing tools which will assist homeowners in making good choices when they make changes to their homes, and collecting information to assess the benefits of renovating homes and the best ways to do this.
Registration now closed
Recruitment of participants for the HomeSmart Renovation project is now complete. We’ve recruited over 600 homeowners from Auckland, Rotorua, Taupo, Wellington, Marlborough, Christchurch, Dunedin and Southland.
Thank you to all who have agreed to participate for your commitment to the project. We appreciate your enthusiasm and interest in improving your homes.
Keep up with news of the project and read more about its benefits:
Find out more about the Papakowhai Renovation project
The Papakowhai Renovation Project
Nine ‘ordinary’ New Zealand homes in Papakowhai were renovated with different packages of energy, water, waste and indoor environment quality improvements. Some houses were renovated to a high standard of sustainability, while other houses had more modest interventions to compare the performance and cost-effectiveness of different packages. The homes were monitored before and after renovation for a clear comparison on their performance.
