Building a Sustainable Future with Homestar Homes

Sustainability was the cornerstone of Maia and Liam's dream home. They envisioned a sun-drenched haven, snug during frosty winters, and gentle on the environment. It wasn't just about comfort and warmth; they craved a home that reflected their values. Energy efficiency and eco-friendly practices were paramount, ensuring their future home wouldn't burden the planet.

Maia was initially overwhelmed by the technical jargon and complex concepts she encountered during her research. However, her journey took a turn when she stumbled upon Homestar, a tool provided by the New Zealand Green Building Council (NZGBC). Homestar simplified the process of building their dream eco-friendly home, providing a clear and structured approach to building a sustainable home that made the process less daunting.

Sustainable living practices are on the rise. Globally, solar energy uptake has increased significantly over the past decade.

What is Homestar?

Homestar is New Zealand's premier sustainability certification for new home design and construction, provided by NZGBC. This certification aims to ensure homes are healthier, warmer, drier, and more energy-efficient than those built to the minimum standards of the New Zealand Building Code. Homestar’s key features are:

Holistic sustainability: Homestar considers thermal performance, energy efficiency, and the environmental impact of building materials. It promotes using healthy, sustainably sourced materials.
Rating system: Homes are rated on a scale from 6 to 10. A 6 Homestar rating indicates a home that is easier to keep warm and healthy, while a 10 Homestar rating represents the highest standard of Homestar homes.

Homestar homes are healthier, warmer, drier, and more energy-efficient than homes built to regulatory standards.

The Homestar scale

Homestar is a holistic tool that awards points across various credits to rate a home’s performance and environmental impact. Mandatory minimum requirements focus on keeping the house warm, dry, well-ventilated, and operating efficiently. Otherwise, the tool is flexible. The credits are open to various combinations to reach the points required to achieve the desired rating.

The home needs at least 60 points to achieve a 6 Homestar rating, the minimum certification standard. Depending on its location across Aotearoa, a 6 Homestar-rated home will be easier to keep warm and healthy, more cost-effective to run, and more environmentally friendly than a home built to the Building Code. Homestar 10 represents international best practices in sustainable buildings.

Sustainability is becoming a top consideration for homeowners as they look to build comfortable, more eco-friendly homes.

Benefits of a Homestar home

"With Homestar as our guide," Maia proudly shares, "we worked with our architect and builder to design our dream home to a Homestar standard. We knew the benefits were fantastic, not just for the environment, but for us too!"

Choosing a Homestar home truly offers a win-win situation, with benefits including:

Better indoor air quality, reduced condensation, and mould prevention improve overall health and comfort.
Homes use less power and water, leading to lower running costs. For example, switching to efficient lighting and water fixtures can result in significant savings over time.
Special home loan rates and financial incentives

Homestar sets a higher standard for vital things like insulation, heating, and ventilation.

Homestar and financial incentives

One of the most compelling reasons for building a Homestar home is the financial support from ANZ. By offering special home loan rates and other financial incentives, ANZ makes sustainable building practices more affordable and attractive. These incentives significantly reduce the upfront costs, making healthier, more efficient homes accessible to more people.

Homestar certification process

Homestar ratings are conducted by trained assessors who play a crucial role in the process. It's highly recommended to involve an assessor early in the design process to incorporate sustainability features effectively. This early engagement ensures a smoother, more efficient journey towards a Homestar home.

The Basis smart panel unlocks 2 Homestars for homeowners with its innovative approach to home safety and eliminating energy waste.

Bonus boost with smart technology

Installing a Basis smart panel in your home can earn you 2 Homestar stars. The smart panel adheres to various Homestar innovation credit categories, including:

Monitoring: The panel provides real-time data on your home's energy use, allowing you to identify areas of cost reduction.
Safety: The Basis smart panel has the most advanced safety technology features that dramatically reduce the risk of electric fires and electrocution.
Plug and Play: The Basis smart panel easily integrates with renewable energy sources like solar panels, optimising their use and reducing your reliance on the grid.