Energy hardship affects hundreds of thousands of households in Aotearoa New Zealand. Underheated homes, avoidable ill health and financial stress associated with energy bills are a harsh reality of winter for many. A BRANZ research project is providing insights that support change.
Data gained from a unique, linked housing assessment and social survey involving Stats NZ and BRANZ shows that substandard, cold housing is inextricably related to occupant mental wellbeing. This is highly relevant information at a time when the cost of living is rising and housing affordability is worsening.
A survey of ventilation and moisture in new homes showed that 30% of new homes failed to reach World Health standards for ventilation. Moisture problems were evident in most of...
