Zero Interest Loans to Create Sustainable Homes and Gardens
NPDCs Back on Our Feet plan to help homes and businesses hit by the Covid-19 includes a policy greatly expanding their Home Energy Scheme.
Ngā Whare Ora Taiao o Ngāmotu provides support to households to undertake a wide range of sustainability improvements to both their house and their property, repaying the costs through a voluntary targeted rate over a five or nine year period. In the process, local suppliers receive work, the local economy, health and our resilience in the face of climate change is boosted.
The ability to pay the loan back interest free over five years makes reducing your carbon footprint much more within the reach of low-income households, and applies both for homeowners and for landlords wanting to reach or exceed the Healthy Homes Standards that kick in next year. It is an excellent example of a just transition approach to climate change, which is why Climate Change & Consciousness Taranaki are keen to raise awareness and uptake of the scheme, which covers:
Home energy efficiency - insulation, double glazing, draught sealing, and insulation of hot water cylinders and piping
Water conservation - rain water collection systems, significant leak repairs, water efficient toilets, low pressure systems, low flow shower heads and flow restrictors, grey water systems, and composting toilets outside of wastewater reticulated areas.
Efficient inbuilt heating and hot water systems - solar hot water system, heat pump water heating, wetback system, efficient electric hot water system, and EECA-approved heat pump, wood burner and pellet burner.
Ventilation systems - extractor fan and full-house ventilation systems, and ground vapour barrier.
Energy conservation and generation systems - solar photovoltaic panels, micro-hydro systems and associated battery systems
Lighting efficiency improvements - LED lighting, solar tube lighting, and insulated sky lights
Self-sustainability and food resilience measures - green houses, edible garden and landscaping, raised bed systems, rainwater/greywater tanks, irrigation, and home orchards
Electric vehicle charging infrastructure - high voltage fast charger outlets in garages)
Transitioning the household to electric or clean energy systems - replacement of gas appliances with electric appliances)
Structural repairs to fix leaks - re-roofing, re-cladding and re-application of external plaster cladding systems
Other household improvements with sustainability benefits will be considered.
Learn More: Zero Interest Loans to Create Sustainable Homes - Thursday 23 July 4:30 – 6:30 pm, New Plymouth District Council Chambers, 84 Liardet St, New Plymouth. Free, all welcome.
