There are sustainable energy solutions for every situation. The challenge is to know what they are and to make sense of them.

In most cases there are multiple benefits for putting into practice sustainable alternatives which are often:

  • Cheaper
  • Healthier
  • Good for the environment
  • Good for society
  • Good for business

Sustainable energy at home

including tips, tactics and solutions for space heating, water heating, appliances and lighting



Lose the energy loss

Minimise heat loss by insulating your house properly. This includes things like making sure that all gaps around windows and doors are filled or eliminated using weather-seal. Also, seal infiltrations around pipes and wires ducts. Seal unused chimneys. Read more about Insulation»


Use free heat from the sun

Sunlight is the cleanest, most renewable source of energy on earth – and you don’t have to pay for it! When planning a new house or renovation ensure that the design takes advantage of free passive solar heat gain. Read more about Passive Solar Design»


Clean up your heat

There are a range of options and factors – home size, layout, construction etc – that will affect the type of heating you use. Sustainable options are clean and efficient. Heat pumps, wood burners and wood pellet stoves are good options. Read more about sustainable Space Heating»


Choose energy efficient appliances

When choosing an appliance for your home pick one that is the right size for your needs and get the most efficient model available by choosing the highest energy rating. Read more about Energy Efficient Appliances»


See the light for sustainable energy

Lighting accounts for 8% of home energy use. Incandescent light bulbs are extremely inefficient so switching to CFL and LED bulbs are the best solution because they are at least five times more efficient. Also, turning off lights when they are not in use will help save energy. Read more about Energy Efficient Lights»


Make your own energy

Over 30% of New Zealand’s electricity is generated from natural gas and coal and is, therefore, a large contributor to our greenhouse gas emissions. In other countries, the percentage is much higher. Potentially, you could grow your own firewood or generate your own electricity; or you could pool in with neighbours to do this. Read more about making your own energy at home »