Home energy efficiency to get star rating

A certification scheme has been launched today that measures the energy efficiency of homes. The Government-backed star-rating system provides an easy way for buyers to tell how well a house performs. NZ Green Building Council CEO Alex Cutler says our homes frequently do not meet international standards.

“There are a million under-performing homes in New Zealand in terms of World Health Organisation guidelines, and what we really need to do is work to improve the existing housing stock in terms of health, energy and comfort”.

After completing a free online assessment, homeowners are given tips on how to improve their home's health. Then, for around $500, an authorised assessor will visit and give it an official star rating out of 10 and a certificate.

Assessors say many homes, particularly those built before the 1970s, will only get a one or two-star rating. Real estate agent Lyn Lockwood says houses with a higher star rating will ultimately command higher values.

“It’s another tool for us to help our owners add value to their homes, and in particular help buyers understand that a home is slightly better than another one”.

The Property Investors Association says it is also in favour of the scheme, providing it remains voluntary. They say that if it becomes compulsory, the cost of assessments would be passed on to tenants.