Trust Horizon leads the way in improving energy wellbeing of hundreds more Eastern Bay homes

Well-insulated homes are known to lead to better health outcomes, keeping homes warmer in winter and cooler in summer. They also lead to lower energy bills, using up to 30% less energy than un-insulated homes. However, it is estimated that as many as 6,000 homes throughout the district still lack adequate insulation, leading to high rates of respiratory illness. That is why Trust Horizon is continuing to support a number of initiatives aimed at improving the overall wellbeing of the community. 

The Government’s Warmer Kiwi Homes programme is one such initiative. The programme provides 100% funded insulation for homeowner/occupiers who hold a Community Services Card, or whose home is in a NZ Deprivation Index 8, 9, or 10 area. 80% of the insulation costs are subsidised by the government-led Energy Efficiency & Conservation Authority (EECA). Trust Horizon covers the final 20% to make insulating the home free for eligible families. With contributions from Brightr and the Trust, there is also 50% funding available for families in decile 6 and 7 areas.

Between April 2021 and January 2022, Brightr – the Warmer Kiwi Homes programme’s local Eastern Bay provider – insulated a total of 245 homes under this scheme. Trust Horizon contributed $153,000 to the cost. “Proper home insulation is key to a warmer, drier and healthier home,”says Lisa Chater, Brightr Regional Sales Support. “Insulation can mean fewer doctor’s visits, lower energy bills, and fewer sick days. For those living in cold and damp housing, the effect for whānau can be transformational.”

Trust Horizon believes that insulation is only part of the story. “We want to get houses to 20 degrees in winter to meet World Health guidelines, and that requires education and further investment,” says Trust Horizon CE, Derek Caudwell. “This is why the Trust has facilitated bringing the 20 Degrees project to the Eastern Bay, and invested $250k in the programme.” The initiative is designed to empower Eastern Bay families to improve their health and wellbeing through energy education and home repairs. Spearheaded by altruistic business Sustainability Options, the programme visits homes in need, determines their health and energy performance, and then creates a plan to improve it. The plan includes energy education, home repairs, and ongoing measuring of the home’s temperature, humidity and energy use.

Since June last year, the 20 Degrees project has engaged with 161 homes in the region. 82 homes have received repairs and interventions designed to help lower their energy use, and 559 improvements have been tagged for action.

The programme has completed a series of free half-day energy education workshops with 86 attendees across Ōpōtiki, Whakatāne, Ruatāhuna, and Taneatua. A total of 13 community energy champions have been trained, with a further 4-5 to join after completing courses in February. These energy champions are locals who have completed energy-use training and mentoring, and are passionate about sharing their learnings with their communities. 

“Ongoing measuring identified that our current average whānau monthly energy use is 2714kWh. This is 4 times greater than the desired monthly energy use of 666kWh,” says Sustainability Options Co-Founder, Nik Gregg. “This shows that there’s plenty more room for improvement, and we look forward to continuing to help reduce energy use and keep homes warm and healthy.”

The combination of initiatives such as Warmer Kiwi Homes and 20 Degrees creates a uniquely well-rounded approach to energy wellbeing in the Eastern Bay. The approach covers not just conversations and education, but also the actions needed to create long-term behavioural change. “We’re pleased to be able to invest in initiatives that are achieving such great results for our communities,” says Trust Horizon CE, Derek Caudwell. “We encourage whānau to get in touch with these two great programs, so that in 2022 we can go even further working together to create warmer, drier homes throughout the Eastern Bay.”

To find out if you and your whānau are eligible for 100% funded home insulation, visit the Warmer Kiwi Homes Project here. To learn more about attending future 20 Degrees workshops, contact 07 544 1882. For further updates on the programme, go to the 20 Degrees Facebook page, or visit the initiative’s new website here.