1. Zero Energy Explained
In the first of a 9-part video series on achieving Zero Energy we explain the concept and the associated health, environmental, and economic benefits that convinced us to apply it to our house design.
Watch the video,find out more
2. Solar Capture
We look at the contribution solar makes to the Zero Energy goal, why solar makes sense in the current economic climate of increasing electricity prices, and we show off New Zealand's first installation of an exciting new solar roof tile.
Watch the video,find out more
3. The Design Process
In this stage we talk with our architects Kendon & Jennifer from A Studio Architects about how the design process can adapt to Zero Energy goals and to Dave Fullbrook from eCubed Building Workshop about the importance of 'Integrated Design'.
Watch the video,find out more
4. Building Envelope
In this stage we explain why we selected the products and methods used in framing, insulating, ventilating, and glazing the house - products that have eliminated the need for the house to be heated.
Watch the video,find out more
5. Lighting
Lighting is an important component of the house, as lights are used at night when we're unable to generate energy from the solar roof. We discuss how using LED lighting throughout the house has contributed towards the Zero Energy goal.
Watch the video,find out more
6. Materials
The materials used have a direct impact on the immediate and wider environment. We explain why certain choices were made, discuss the recycled materials we're using in the home, and talk about the importance of life-cycle analysis.
Watch the video,find out more
7. Water
The Zero Energy House looks to reduce water consumption wherever possible. We talk about the rainwater tank, greywater treatment, water-efficient tapware and showerheads, and energy-efficient pumps.
Watch the video,find out more
8. Performance
We'll show results from 40 sensors installed throughout the house to monitor temperature, humidity, water flow, energy consumption and generation.
Coming SoonFeatured Supplier
A range of fittings from Methven allow us to be efficient with our water usage.
Where hot water is required this also reduces energy needed for water heating, helping us reach Zero Energy.
Our showers use Methven's low-flow Kiri showerheads, which use 40% less water than average.
The basins are fitted with Tahi taps, whose twin-lever mixing mechanism reduces hot water demand.
Read more here.
Fundraising Auction:
Methven Shower System
Methven have kindly donated a shower system matching the one in the ZEH.
It's being auctioned on Trade Me. All proceeds will go to the comms team to generate content for the website.
The system consists of a Tahi rail system, a Tahi thermostatic mixer, and a low-flow Kiri showerhead.
View the auction here.
Featured Supplier
We've used two energy-efficient Grundfos pumps in the house.
A CME Booster Pump moves water from the rainwater tank to where it is needed in the house.
A PM2 Solar Circulator moves water around the solar hot water system.
We also use Grundfos Direct Sensors to measure water flow and tempertature, enabling water and system efficiency.
Read more here.
Govt considers WoF for rental housing.
Thursday, May 16th.
Government announces trial of 'Warrant of Fitness' programme to assess health and warmth of rental housing, initially on state houses.
Read more at nzherald.co.nz.
CO2 Hits 400 ppm.
Monday, May 13th.
Measurements of carbon dioxide concentration surpass 400 ppm - a level the Earth has not seen for three to five million years.
Read more at scoop.co.nz.
Coal firm digs in to survive.
Thursday, May 9th.
Solid Energy Chairman Mark Ford: "There's always a future for coalmining. We just need to be a hell of a lot more efficient."
Read more at nzherald.co.nz.