A scheme was launched yesterday that will allow people to get their homes rated for energy efficiency.Homestar is voluntary, and is designed to give owners information about their houses so they can upgrade energy efficiency and use a high rating to impro
A scheme was launched yesterday that will allow people to get their homes rated for energy efficiency.
Homestar is voluntary, and is designed to give owners information about their houses so they can upgrade energy efficiency and use a high rating to improve their chances of getting a good price when selling.
It is an industry initiative organised by the New Zealand Green Building Council and Beacon Pathway, with other partners.
Building and Construction Minister Maurice Williamson said the Government supported the scheme.
He said it gave home owners an opportunity to assess, rate and decide the best value options for improving the performance of their homes.
There will be a free online tool that can be used, and there is the option of an official Homestar rating which can be used to market a house.
The official rating will be calculated by an accredited auditor, at a cost to the home owner.
The Green Party said it was a good start but would miss out the coldest and dampest homes because it wasn't mandatory.
"A voluntary scheme is more likely to attract those home owners who already have efficient homes," said MP Gareth Hughes.
"Mandatory assessment in energy efficiency home rating schemes is already being rolled out in many Australian states and in Europe."
