Energy-efficient homes sell for (a lot) more

UPDATE [11 July 2024] This post, first published on 13 June, has been edited. See the addition under the Methodology heading below. We’re not putting too much weight on its claims...

by Jason Quinn

Updated: Mar 2026

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A new conversation about housing in New Zealand

If you’re in the business of designing, building or advocating for better buildings in New Zealand, you need to read “Homes that meet our real needs“, a BRANZ report written...

by Jason Quinn

Updated: Mar 2026

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Stay dry: how to prevent moisture-related problems in construction

This half-day workshop is offered on 30 July 2025, immediately prior to the PHINZ hui in Christchurch. It’s designed for architects, Passive House designers and tradespeople and its practical focus will...

by Jason Quinn

Updated: Mar 2026

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NZ homes are still cold, damp and unhealthy

New Zealand homes are slightly less cold in winter compared to 20 years ago. More New Zealanders appear to be heating at least some bedrooms, some of the time, to...

by Jason Quinn

Updated: Jan 2026

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The underlay dilemma: getting it right under your metal roof

When it comes to constructing or renovating a roof with metal cladding in New Zealand, one crucial component often overlooked until problems arise is the underlay. An awesome overview document...

by Jason Quinn

Updated: Jan 2026

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The path to decarbonisation for the aged care sector

EECA, the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority, launched a valuable resource in 2023 to support the aged care and retirement living sector on its decarbonisation journey. The suite of tools and resources,...

by Jason Quinn

Updated: Jan 2026

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Electrification is the future (and the future is now)

While electrification will drive up electrical consumption, it will simultaneously lead to a vast decrease in overall energy demand. This is primarily because of the far greater efficiency of electric...

by Jason Quinn

Updated: Apr 2025

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Replicable design for energy-efficient homes in India

It’s interesting to see how other nations tackle energy efficiency in buildings. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)’s Handbook of Replicable Designs for Energy Efficient Residential Buildings in India provides...

by Jason Quinn

Updated: Apr 2025

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Assessing feasibility of commercial PV generation

EECA recently published guidance for businesses weighing up commercial PV generation. As always, the devil lies in the detail, and understanding the methodology used to assess the viability of solar...

by Jason Quinn

Updated: Apr 2025

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Tech overview for ECCHO now available

The technical overview for the NZ Green Building Council Energy and Carbon Calculator for Homes is now available. The guide was put together by me and NZGBC’s Sam Archer. It’s...

by Jason Quinn

Updated: Mar 2025

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Primary Energy Renewable (PER) is misunderstood

There are many factors that impact the amount of energy generated by a specific renewable energy system on a day-to-day basis. But none of that matters for PH Plus or...

by Jason Quinn

Updated: Jul 2025

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Visiting The House, a giant NYC Passive House housing complex

There’s so much to see in New York City, including lots of certified Passive House buildings. Here’s another side trip I did during last year’s family holiday. The House is...

by Jason Quinn

Updated: Jan 2025

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What’s to like in the MBIE H1 consultation document?

After painstakingly researching, consulting on and citing improvements to thermal performance in the NZ Building Code for years, MBIE was directed by its incoming minister to investigate rolling back changes....

by Jason Quinn

Updated: Dec 2024

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H1 insulation requirements are not expensive

How much cost does upgraded insulation required under the revised H1 add to a new build? Much less than anecdotal figures bandied about in the media, according to some solid...

by Jason Quinn

Updated: Nov 2024

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Wellington Passive House meet up

The Wellington chapter of PHINZ is hosting a social event on 3 December at the Southern Cross hotel. No presentations or talks, just a relaxed drink with friends and like-minded...

by Jason Quinn

Updated: Nov 2024

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The independence of Passive House certifiers

Jessica Eyers was the architectural designer and Passive House designer for this month’s featured case study, a groundbreaking prefab straw home. Jessica ran her own architectural design company from 2012...

by Jason Quinn

Updated: Nov 2024

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To advance Passive House, stop myth-busting and start reframing

Presentations by Jess Berentson-Shaw from The Workshop were a highlight of this and previous year’s PHINZ conferences. She offers science-based advice on how the Passive House community can most effectively...

by Jason Quinn

Updated: Mar 2026

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Temperature extremes impact personal productivity

This idea that productivity at work is linked to comfortable temperatures has been studied for many years. There’s plenty of data we can draw on to make the case for...

by Jason Quinn

Updated: Oct 2024

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