Helping sustainable homes

Central Hawke’s Bay residents now have the opportunity to take advantage of a Sustainable Homes package from

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council.

This a great initiative for warmer, drier, healthier homes, increased energy efficiency and reduced dependence on networked supply of energy and water.

On offer are financial assistance packages for installation of solar hot water, double glazing, clean heating and insulation, domestic venting, and replacement of old water storage and septic tanks.

To make these available, the regional council has agreed to borrow $13 million over the next 10 years. There’s no impact on the general ratepayer however, as packages will be fully repaid by borrowers through a targeted rate on the property.

While there’s a caveat — applicants must have a good HBRC rates payment history — this initiative will allow borrowing of up to $20,000, repayable over 10 years at 6 per cent interest, or earlier without penalty.

In the last 10 years, over 10,400 homes in Napier and Hastings have been assisted by the regional council to upgrade their home heating and reduce winter air pollution in the cities.

The Sustainable Homes programme means Central Hawke’s Bay residents can now also get funding to improve their lifestyle with warmer, drier, and healthier homes.

And as a staunch advocate for our district, I’m pleased to add that local businesses have become approved suppliers and installers.

Adding solar water heating and water storage also offers improved civil defence resilience. Domestic ventilation leads to less mould and condensation. Replacing old septic tanks and concrete water tanks reduces leachate improving water quality, which is definitely a win for our environment.

So if you are considering renovations to your home or rental property, please check out this Sustainable Homes package — details on hbrc.govt.nz search #s