MBIE announce there will be no roll back of insulation standards

At eHaus, we welcome the decision not to roll back higher insulation standards and to acknowledge the role insulation plays in improving the health, comfort, and energy performance of New Zealand homes. We commend the Minister for listening to the industry.

We agree that increased insulation alone does not cause overheating. However, our experience delivering high-performance homes has shown that simply adding more insulation without considering essential design factors such as orientation, glazing, shading and ventilation, can contribute to overheating and owner discomfort.

Insulation is a critical part of the solution, but it must be integrated into a holistic design approach. High-performance homes are the result of careful planning and attention to detail at every stage, not insulation in isolation.

Regarding affordability, while higher insulation levels can increase upfront construction costs, there is extensive evidence both internationally and in New Zealand demonstrating that the long-term benefits (including reduced energy use, improved health outcomes, increasing work productivity) more than justify the initial investment. It is important that policymakers and industry leaders continue to communicate clear, evidence-based information about these benefits to homeowners and builders alike.

eHaus remains committed to delivering homes that are warm in winter, cool in summer, and healthy all year round. Through high performance design principles and rigorous construction standards, we can achieve buildings that perform exceptionally well without compromising comfort or sustained affordability.

Read the full RNZ article here.