Household Sustainability Programme
“Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” [World Commission on Environment and Development, 1987, Our Common Future (frequently referred to as the Brundtland Report after former Norwegian Prime Minister Gro Harlem Brundtland, Chairman of the Commission).]
Sustainability initiatives
The government has committed to moving New Zealand towards greater sustainability. To reflect this priority, six flagship sustainability initiatives are being delivered across central government. These initiatives build on more than 170 existing government projects relating to environmental sustainability and include work on climate change, energy efficiency, transport, fresh water, and sustainable land management. The Household Sustainability Programme is one of the six initiatives.
Household Sustainability Programme
Living sustainably means living smarter. Smart actions – such as switching off the lights when leaving a room, walking to work, or installing insulation – can save money and improve health, while fighting climate change and protecting local environments.
The Household Sustainability Programme encourages sustainable choices in and around the home, and focuses on the five themes of energy, water, waste, transport, and building.
Sustainability is something everyone can have by taking small, yet significant, actions – together we can make the difference.
The three main elements of the Household Sustainability Programme are:
- building partnerships with regional and local organisations to promote sustainable action
- developing an innovative online sustainability portal
- a sustained information programme.
Benefits of the Household Sustainability Programme
The Household Sustainability Programme will raise awareness of the simple steps that people can take to reduce the impact of climate change, improve energy and water efficiency, and reduce waste.
We will connect communities through a range of existing programmes, give support to local programmes, and enable information and success stories to be shared among local government and community organisations.
Related programmes
Existing initiatives by community groups and agencies across central and local government will be supported through the Household Sustainability Programme.
These initiatives include:
- Smarter Homes – a website providing advice on building and running more sustainable and energy efficient homes.
- 4 Million Careful Owners – a website and information programme offering advice on climate change, water, and household rubbish.
- EnergyWise – this Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) programme offers both general energy efficiency advice and grants for insulation for low-income households.
- Warm Homes Project – this central and local government programme targets insulation and clean heating in areas with air quality issues.
- Solarsmarter – provides advice on choosing a solar water heating system and financial assistance.
- Efficiency labels and ratings on appliances such as Energy Star.
- Fuel$aver website – advice on choosing a fuel-efficient car and information on driving habits to keep fuel bills down.
What can you do to help?
The Household Sustainability Programme will develop progressively over the next three years. We are keen to hear your thoughts on household sustainability in your region:
- What are the key initiatives happening in your region in the area of household sustainability?
- How can the Ministry best support these initiatives?
- Who are the key people for the Ministry to connect with in your region regarding household sustainability?
- What are the main barriers to households becoming more sustainable?
- What are the actions that can be undertaken to overcome these barriers?
