Over the past year, Habitat for Humanity Northern Region, with support from Auckland Council, has helped more than 900 Auckland whānau make their homes warmer, healthier and cheaper to run, while reducing carbon emissions through their Reduce Energy Hardship programme.
Delivered through the Healthy Homes initiative, Habitat provided more than 900 households with free personalised advice, workshops and practical upgrades, benefiting 2,291 adults and 2,214 children.
From LED light bulbs and low-flow showerheads to curtains and draught-stopping, these simple changes are saving families money, supporting better health and helping everyday Aucklanders reduce their emissions.
Habitat’s focus this year was on practical advice that empowers people to make small changes with big impacts, like servicing heat pumps, understanding how appliances affect power bills, or putting heaters on timers.
Conrad LaPointe, Habitat Northern CEO, said “This is an important programme with tangible support and actions that can help whānau be more confident about turning on their heating when they need it most.”
“I feel more in control – I know that if I don’t have long showers those savings can go towards turning on the heat pump.” – Programme participant
“The house feels a lot warmer now… I feel comfort knowing this winter will be a lot easier to manage.” – Programme participant
Over the year:
- Auckland council has supported 1325 homes with their “Reduce Energy Hardship” programme
- 662 attendees took part in Winter Warmer Workshops or received follow-up support
- More than 22,000 energy-saving measures were installed, including:
- 11,430 curtains
- 4,037 curtain rails
- 2,161 LED lightbulbs.
Working alongside partners such as Noho Āhuru, AWHI, Pacifica Healthy Homes and via self-referrals, Habitat are reaching the communities who need it most.
Reducing household energy use isn’t just about saving money, it’s also about helping Aucklanders cut their household emissions. According to Auckland’s 2016 Greenhouse gas emissions inventory, residential energy use accounts for approximately 5% of the region’s total emissions.
Auckland Council offers a range of tools and services to help people understand their energy consumption and take practical steps to lower their carbon footprint and lower their bills.
Auckland Councils Climate Action Advisor, Kamal Sunker says, “Most of the energy-saving tips provided through the programme are low or no-cost yet can make a real difference to both household budgets and emissions. We’re proud to offer services like this to Aucklanders and provide them with the tools to reduce living costs and at the same time provide education for how to lower their carbon footprint”.
Looking ahead, Auckland Council will continue funding Habitat to help families better understand their power bills and choose energy providers suited to their needs, helping build households that are lighter on both the wallet and the planet.
Keen to cut your power bills and emissions?
Check out the main Live Lightly website to learn more about free energy-efficiency services Auckland Council offers.
