NZ lags behind in household energy efficiency, says report

New Zealand is lagging behind other developed countries in improving household energy efficiency, the Centre for Housing Research says.

The relatively mild climate, historically cheap energy, and a lack of government leadership were cited as reasons for the slow progress in implementing energy-efficient systems.

The centre was established by Housing New Zealand to provide research to help create housing policy and practices.

A report released yesterday looks at the effect of prices, incentives and regulations on energy efficiency in households.

One of the report's authors, Ian McChesney, said the study offered a range of measures to improve household energy efficiency.

Any improvement in household efficiency would complement wider initiatives to develop sustainable energy systems throughout the country, he said.

New Zealand's poor record in energy efficiency meant the country lacked successful programmes to build on, its carbon dioxide emissions were growing in the residential sector, and many houses were not adequately heated.

The report said international experience showed a mix of market mechanisms, incentives and regulations supported by widespread information were needed for improvement.

The household sector is responsible for 13 per cent of the nation's energy consumption, including 35 per cent of electricity consumption.

This is expected to increase about 1.5 per cent to 2 per cent per year.

The report recommended policy design focused on positive outcomes, such as air quality, carbon emissions, indoor temperatures and energy security.

A "whole of government" approach was needed, it said.

- NZPA