About energy efficient homes
Energy efficient homes have a combination of features which work together to ensure that you achieve the highest degree of comfort with the minimum energy use.
Getting the first steps right means that overall energy efficiency will be cheaper and easier to achieve.
On this page:
Key features
Include these essential features in your building design to ensure a high degree of energy efficiency:
1. Insulation
- adequate insulation in the walls, ceilings and floors, and draught proofing
2. Windows
- sized and located appropriately
- allow solar warming in winter and are shaded in summer
3. Ventilation
- adequate controllable ventilation year round
- cross-ventilation for summer cooling
4. Heating
- a zoned and flexible heating system
5. Hot water
- efficient water heating and low flow shower fittings
6. Appliances and lighting
- efficient appliances and lighting.
Other features that further improve the efficiency and comfort of a home are:
- daytime living areas facing north
- north-facing windows
- heavy building materials
- solar water heating.
It is important to remember that energy efficient homes are a 'package' of the above features. Any overall benefits are reduced if some of these features are not included or are applied incorrectly.
Take action
Plan for an energy efficient home
1. Discuss these features with your architect or designer to find out more about the benefits of incorporating energy efficiency measures into your building design.
2. Refer to the Department of Building and Housing’s comprehensive introduction to Smarter homes design. [Smarter Homes website.]
3. Learn more about how to build an ‘eco-friendly’ home that has minimal impact on the environment, at Green Homes. [Consumer Build website.]
More information
- Sustainable construction [BRANZ website.]
- BRANZ Easy guide to eco-building booklet (PDF 2.4 MB) [BRANZ eco-building booklet.]
- Assessment of new homes design [BRANZ Green Home Scheme website.]