Potential energy saving in the New Zealand residential sector through statutory regulations : A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master in Environmental Policy at Lincoln University

Abstract

New Zealand houses are traditionally cold, damp and draughty. Two thirds of the New Zealand houses were constructed before the building code stipulated insulation standards. Whilst a number of subsidy programs and information campaigns have been run by the government to increase the level of insulation in existing homes, there are no insulation standards/regulations that these homes must comply with. As a result, a substantial proportion of the residential building stock still has poor insulation, which can result in poor health outcomes for the occupants and increased energy consumption.

The demand for space heating energy may significantly reduce if all houses in New Zealand complied with the current insulation standards as defined in the building code. This energy saving could potentially reduce environmental impacts, improve the economy and the social conditions.

This dissertation models the energy demand of the entire residential stock for space heating purposes. Using climatic data and residential building characteristics, the space heating demand is calculated under various scenarios of insulation levels and indoor temperature. The results show that energy consumption used for heating in the residential sector could be reduced by 25% while increasing the indoor temperatures if all houses complied with insulation standards defined in the current building code.