Want a warmer, drier and healthier home this winter? The Sustainability Trust has some advice that can help transform your home and save the environment in the process.
Sustainability Trust helps people to have warmer, drier and healthier homes, providing free advice alongside home energy efficiency products that transform homes and save the environment.
With winter upon us, Sustainability Trust are enthusiastically promoting warm, dry homes education and solutions for all. As a registered charity it invests all profits in award-winning community programmes that empower people to live more sustainably, providing a unique way to have positive impacts through shopping.
Resources on their website include simple guides for warm, dry and healthy homes with daily behaviours that make a big difference – such as ventilating for 15 minutes, a checklist to help you choose a healthy home, and tips for tackling draughts.
However, what matters most is the thermal envelope of a home “When it comes to warm, dry homes that are free from mould and cheap to run, we have to look at the entire shell of the property” explains Anthony Taylor-Edwards, Technical Manager.
“Ceiling, underfloor and wall insulation, heat loss from windows, and draught proofing all need to be considered. The vast majority of homes we see have either no insulation, or insulation which is too old, or poorly fitted, to be making any difference. It’s shocking how many people damage their health and bank balances, when in reality it’s much cheaper and easier than people think to make home improvements.”
Sustainability Trust sells carefully selected products that meet high standards for energy efficiency and environmentally friendly ratings. Their bestselling recommendations for Good magazine readers are:
GreenStuf polyester insulation – a premium product boasting superb thermal ratings, with a 50 year long-life guarantee and the most environmentally friendly option on the market – made from at least 45% recycled content right here in New Zealand. It’s fire retardant and safe around children and asthma. DIY or professional install across Greater Wellington, with a free three year Sustainability Trust installation guarantee.
Panasonic’s Delux Inverter Ducted system – an all-in-one kit which offers adjustable full home heating at half the price of other ducted systems. This invisible system is quiet and easy to operate, with programmable settings, an in-built air filtration system plus optional wi-fi controls.
The Atlantic Tatou radiant heater – This is the most energy efficient radiant available in New Zealand (and Europe too). The in-built timers make it easy to adjust heat and energy use to how you live, with auto-settings and motion sensors that guarantee a warm, comfortable and consistent environment. Enter their competition today to win one of three giveaways.
The Fujitsu High Wall Compact Premier Plus – Rapid and quiet single room heating with impressive energy efficiency ratings and 7 day automatic settings and timers. The range also filters and cleans the air, is renowned for operating quietly, and comes in a range of sizes.
Don’t forget to check if you can save money on insulation, heating, ventilation or LED downlights. Check out the special offers and subsidies with repayment plans from Greater Wellington Regional Council rates loan scheme, Sustainability Trust’s zero per cent interest repayment plan, and half price insulation for properties with Community Services Card holders.
Shop for environmentally friendly products online at sustaintrust.org.nz and if you live within Greater Wellington then call them for a free home assessment on 0508 78 78 24.
