About this programme
Can smarter energy design improve the lives of people in community housing? A study is exploring the impacts of Te Kī a Alasdair, a purpose-built apartment block in Wellington for residents with disabilities and complex needs. Opened in 2023, the building uses solar energy for heating and hot water, aiming to reduce energy costs and carbon emissions. Using this real-world example, Evaluation of the innovative energy design of Te Kī a Alasdair will first assess its energy use, including the reduction in grid energy reliance and carbon emissions. The analysis will focus on the hot-water pump system used for tap water and space heating. Potential future research may explore how the building’s design affects the lives of residents. Led by University of Canterbury, this Building Innovation Partnership project will show how thoughtful design can support both sustainability and quality of life in community housing. Te Kī a Alasdair was created by Maurice and Kaye Clark, founders of Kirva Trust, in memory of their son Alasdair, and developed in partnership with Emerge Aotearoa, Homes of Choice and Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.