N.Z. Built Limited is committed to Green Building and is currently a member of the New Zealand Green Building Council. Our Company has adopted the policy of REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE. Some of the initiatives that we have implemented with clients for their projects are making a big difference in the performance of their homes and the energy efficiency, such as

• Use of waffle concrete slabs. This is a concrete slab built on polystyrene pods, which improves the insulation characteristics of the floor.
• Recycling rainwater for toilet flushing, hose taps and laundry.
• Evacuated tube collectors are being used for solar hot water. The hot water is stored in a N.Z. made stainless steel insulated cylinder.
• Selecting the most energy efficient heating system for each house, such as heat pumps, cooling the house in summer and converting that heat into other areas such as pools or hot water.
• Insulation is a premium grade polyester insulation and is the only insulation to carry a 50 year performance guarantee. It achieves a higher construction rating than other insulations. There are no glues used in making the Novatherm product and it has no negative effect on health nor does it release fibres into the air. Novatherm is fire resistant.
• Double glazing all of the aluminium windows and doors (with the exception of the garage) giving increased thermal performance and comfort in both summer and winter time.
• The lighting has been designed for maximum efficiency with the use of energy efficient fittings, bulbs and LED lighting where possible.
• Decking timber is made from Saligna (a N.Z. hardwood), which is a sustainable timber. This has been treated with a wood life product to preserve the timber from mildew and mould.
• Using paint specified from Dulux which is low emission Enviro 2 system with a mould shield additive to wet areas.
• Specifying Norman Ellison wool carpet, which is New Zealand made, with their unique Anti-Allergenic Yarn, reducing dust, mites, mould and mildew to create a beautiful and healthy home. From young children to allergy sufferers the whole family can breathe easier.
• Landscaping our houses with predominantly New Zealand native plants which will help reduce CO2 emissions.

These are just some of the initiatives that we have undertaken. A lot of efficiency can be gained in the design of the house – the orientation to the sun and using the site effectively. By following this through design, construction and beyond gives the house that is efficient to run, made from renewal sources with a much smaller carbon footprint than using traditional methods.