Outrage at Plans to Revert to Less Strict Insulation Standards

The Building and Construction Minister's plan to roll back insulation standards for new builds has sparked widespread outrage across New Zealand, particularly among those advocating for healthier, more energy-efficient homes.

A Step Backwards for Insulation Standards

The proposal to revert to less stringent insulation standards introduced just last year has been justified by the minister as a way to address housing affordability. Minister Chris Penk argues that these changes would lower construction costs, potentially reducing the price of new homes by $40,000 to $50,000. However, critics highlight that this would be a step backward, taking New Zealand decades behind most OECD countries in terms of insulation standards.

“Reverting to outdated insulation standards risks undermining the progress we've made toward healthier, more comfortable homes,” says Minister Penk. “Insulation isn’t just about keeping warm—it’s about reducing energy costs, improving health outcomes, and building sustainable housing stock for future generations.”

Community and Expert Concerns

The response from both the public and industry experts has been overwhelmingly negative. Consultation revealed that 90% of respondents supported maintaining the current standards. Residents in the Bay of Plenty have expressed dismay at the idea of scaling back requirements. Many have shared personal stories of living in poorly insulated homes and the resulting health and financial struggles.

One Tauranga resident said, “The last house I lived in had double glazing, and we didn’t even need heating—it was fantastic. But in older, under-insulated homes, it’s freezing, damp, and unhealthy.”

Another pointed out the long-term savings that good insulation brings: “You save in the long run with heating costs and better health. Rolling back standards just doesn’t make economic sense.”

The Trade-Off Debate

Minister Penk argues that the costs of insulation upgrades add significant financial burdens to new builds, ultimately making homeownership unattainable for many. He cites construction cost increases of 41% since 2019 as a driving factor for reconsidering insulation standards. However, critics argue that these savings in upfront costs pale in comparison to the long-term economic and health benefits of proper insulation.

Ryan Double Glazing points to the advantages of well-insulated homes, particularly when paired with modern solutions like double glazing. Better insulation reduces energy consumption, leading to lower power bills and less environmental impact. Investing in quality now saves money over time.

A Missed Opportunity for Sustainable Progress

New Zealand’s existing housing stock, with 50% of homes built over 50 years ago, is a well-known contributor to the country’s high rates of respiratory illness and other health issues. Yet critics argue that downgrading standards for new builds won’t address the real problem—it simply delays the creation of healthier, future-proof homes.

“As a country, we’re finally catching up to global standards for energy efficiency,” says Minister Penk. “Reverting to last year’s standards feels like undoing hard-earned progress. Instead, we should be focusing on making energy-efficient homes more accessible, not less.”

Call to Action

Ryan Double Glazing joins many others in calling on the government to reconsider the proposal and focus on long-term solutions for New Zealand’s housing crisis. By promoting modern insulation techniques, like double glazing, and retaining high standards, the country can ensure that future generations benefit from warmer, healthier, and more sustainable homes.

“We believe in building better homes, not just more homes,” says Minister Penk. “The government must prioritize housing quality alongside affordability.”

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