5 December 2005

Warm Dry Healthy Homes in Horowhenua-Kapiti

When you consider that we spend nearly 22 hours of every day inside, it is little wonder that housing is such an important determinant of our health and well being.

That is why Contact Energy, the Energy Efficiency Conservation Authority (EECA), Electra, Mid Central District Health Board and the Capital and Coast District Health Board have formed a community partnership to give 75 homes in the Horowhenua-Kapiti region a healthy home makeover.

Ceiling insulation, hot water cylinder wraps and weather-proofed doors are just some of the changes that residents can expect to be made to their households to make their homes warmer and dryer and more energy efficient.

Chief Executive of EECA Heather Staley said that the retrofitting would make a real difference to people’s lives, particularly those suffering from asthma or respiratory conditions.

“We are very pleased to be part of a project that provides such positive, long lasting benefits to the community.

“By improving the insulation and energy efficiency of homes there are real benefits in lower energy costs and reduced illness,” said Ms Staley

Contact Energy chief executive David Hunt said his company was proud to support the scheme as part of Contact Energy Healthy Homes.

“This initiative is all about improving the health and well being of the people in these areas.

“There is growing evidence of the link between health and the conditions of our homes. A warm, dry, pollution-free home is a healthy home,” said Mr Hunt.

The healthy home makeovers are valued at approximately $2,000 each, based on an average sized home of 100 square metres. Each includes ceiling and under-floor insulation, draught excluders, hot water cylinder wraps, hot water pipe insulation and energy efficient light bulbs.

Recent research by the Wellington School of Medicine Housing and Health and Research Programme, of which contact is a corporate sponsor, found that people living in insulated homes experienced fewer visits to the doctor, fewer admissions to the hospital for asthmatic or respiratory conditions and fewer days off work or school as well as reduced power bills.

ENDS

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