Fujitsu General NZ Residential Award Winner - Otago Regional Council

Warm, dry, healthy Otago homes that help improve local air quality is the aim of this programme. After an initial energy assessment, energy-efficient heating and insulation is installed - all supported by financial assistance to the homeowners. So far this year, there have been 508 insulation retrofits, along with the installation of 162 energy-efficient heating appliances.

The main focus is on low-income households and those with health issues, particularly those living in parts of Otago where air quality is of concern. Low-income homeowners pay only $300 towards an insulation retrofit and a further $300 towards replacing inefficient heating systems. Other households and income brackets are also eligible for considerable funding from Otago Regional Council to help them retrofit their homes.

The programme has seen other benefits, such as local job creation, increased sales for local Otago home heating businesses, reduced energy bills for the community and increased demand for locally-sourced insulation material. It is also anticipated that respiratory health problems in the community will decline with improving local air quality.

The Otago Regional Council also offers assistance and mentoring to another regional councils to set up similar programmes.

Begun in 2007, the programme is expected to be ongoing. Implementation is managed by the Otago Regional Council and is coordinated by EnergySmart Ltd, in partnership with various businesses.