Fairbrother Russell: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume 
Fairbrother Russell: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Sitting date: 21 February 2007. Volume:637;Page:7545. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
9.  
RUSSELL FAIRBROTHER (Labour) 
 to the  
Minister for Building and Construction 
: What reports has he received on improving the sustainability of buildings? 
Hon CLAYTON COSGROVE (Minister for Building and Construction) 
: 
 I have seen a number of reports commending the Government on its leadership in this area. A recent example of this leadership is the new Department of Conservation head office building in Wellington. This building is New Zealand’s first fully refurbished equivalent five-star eco-sustainable building in the country and it is an example to building owners and developers of what can be achieved to retrofit existing buildings to a sustainable level. The new building uses 40 percent less power than a conventional building and uses 60 percent less water through technologies such as water recycling heat pump systems wind generation an improved use of natural light and automated lighting systems chilled beam air conditioning and automatic opening windows. 
Russell Fairbrother 
: What other initiatives are under way to improve the energy efficiency of buildings? 
Hon CLAYTON COSGROVE 
: The Government has a number of initiatives under way to improve the energy efficiency of buildings. These initiatives represent the most significant energy efficiency reforms for buildings since the introduction of compulsory thermal insulation in new homes in 1977. Current proposals for new houses include higher levels of insulation of walls ceilings floors and double-glazed windows which will save homeowners up to 30 percent of their current energy bills. For commercial buildings both existing and new proposals include improved lighting heating ventilation and air conditioning systems which will save building owners up to 30 percent of their current energy bills. Homeowners and building owners will also benefit from investment in energy efficiency through the higher capital value of their home or building if and when they come to sell. 
Hon Dr Nick Smith 
: Does the Minister agree with the statement made by the Registered Master Builders Federation in the  
Weekend Herald 
 accompanied by a picture of a house buried in red tape that it now costs $30000 more in compliance costs these days for an average house and with the comment that it was now a standard joke amongst builders that it takes longer to get a consent for a house than it does to build it; and with those sorts of statements is it any wonder that homeownership rates have plummeted under his Government? 
Hon CLAYTON COSGROVE 
: No I do not. But I do agree with Mr Burghout when he was reported in the Christchurch  
Press 
 of 5 October 2006 in regard to energy efficiency polices as saying that the Registered Master Builders Federation backed the initiative as New Zealand had traditionally lagged behind Australia in sustainable building. 
Pita Paraone 
: Tena koe Madam Speaker. Is the Minister confident that those people suffering from the effects of leaky homes are having their problems dealt with adequately and as part of that solution that the problems will be addressed in a manner that will meet the issues discussed in the primary question? 
Hon CLAYTON COSGROVE 
: Yes.