Auckland families insulated against cold, damp homes
Thursday 16 November 2006
570 Auckland families are now enjoying the benefits of warmer, drier and healthier homes thanks to free insulation provided by the Snug Homes for Auckland project. The project targets old, cold homes, occupied by low-income families with respiratory illness.
The project was funded by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) and the ASB Community Trust, as well as Mercury Energy, Starship Foundation, Auckland City Council, ProCare Network and the Auckland District Health Board. The installation of the energy efficiency measures was managed by Tamaki Ki Raro Trust with the support of Eco Insulation.
Phase one of the project, launched in May this year, saw 570 households receive insulation against a target of 500.
Tamaki Ki Raro's Chief Executive Sharon Wilson says "Some houses only needed some of the insulation measures, so we were able to extend the project to include more homes - which is fantastic, because we could spread the benefits to even more Auckland families than we had hoped."
The main project funder, ASB Community Trust, was impressed with the instant results. "Sometimes you fund a project and have to wait many years to see what effect it has," says Trust CEO Jennifer Gill, "but with the Snug Homes project the results come overnight. Homes are warmer, children are healthier and it also has positive spin-offs for jobs and for the environment."
Starship Foundation's Chief Executive, Andrew Young, says feedback from recipient families has been incredible. "The project organisers have received letters, faxes, cards, phone calls, and emails from people telling us their houses are much warmer and much drier. They use their heaters much less, have reduced power bills, get sick less often, and are thrilled for their children to be living in a healthier environment. It's fantastic to see what a big difference this project is making to people's lives."
Snug Homes for Auckland is part of an ongoing nationwide initiative led by EECA to insulate low-income homes built before insulation became mandatory in 1977.
To date 27,000 homes around New Zealand have benefited under this scheme.
Planning is underway for phase two of the Snug Homes for Auckland project.
ENDS
For further information including contacting the families above contact
Senior Advisor Communications, EECA on 04 470 2200 or
027 222 2943.
