Research and Policy
Environmental policy
Housing New Zealand is committed to becoming a leader in displaying environmental responsibility in all areas of its business. We have had an environmental policy and management system since 2001, which focus on these objectives:
- Ensure Housing New Zealand better understands the environmental needs of its tenants
- Aim to provide tenants with a home environment that promotes good health, energy efficiency and resource conservation
- Provide information on environmental and energy efficient aspects of our work to tenants and the wider community
- Encourage tenants to have pride in their community's physical environment
- Conserve Housing New Zealand resources and to show leadership and commitment to sustainability - such as adopting recycling practices
- Encourage our housing partners, suppliers and contractors to act with a sense of environmental responsibility
- Aim for Housing New Zealand to continuously improve its environmental performance
- Contribute to a coordinated approach to sustainable development within the community
The environmental policy and objectives are carried out through a detailed annual Environmental Sustainability Plan (ESP). This outlines all the tasks and projects undertaken to meet the policy objectives.
Projects under way include:
- installing energy efficiency features in houses built before 1977
- participating in healthy housing research and modernisation programmes
- reviewing housing design specifications to ensure new properties are built with energy efficiency considerations
- informing tenants about energy efficiency
- providing more gardens and green areas in neighbourhoods
- working to reduce energy use and waste within our offices
