Using Non-Energy Benefits (NEBs) to Market Zero and Low Energy Homes in New Zealand

Panel: Panel 2. Residential Buildings: Program Design, Implementation, and Evaluation

Authors:
Albrecht Stoecklein, BRANZ Ltd.
Lisa A. Skumatz, Skumatz Economic Research Associates, Inc.

Abstract

For a research project in New Zealand on zero and low energy houses (ZALEH), the authors conducted in-depth survey interviews to quantify benefits of and barriers to advanced homes technologies. The surveys included occupants of known ZALEH homes. The survey consisted of four major sections: an inventory of (advanced) equipment; a survey of technology performance issues, attitudes, and beliefs; questions to inventory and value positive and negative NEBs from various equipment; and detailed demographic and segmentation variables.

The research examined the overall non-energy benefits (NEBs), as well as the benefits from each of the range of advanced technologies included in the homes. We identified the sources of NEBs – including factors such as improvements in comfort, bill control, health, maintenance, noise, bill-related issues, the environment, and other factors. We examined the both positive and negative impacts, and used a set of detailed questions to identify the value that the occupant placed on each of the net impacts or benefits. The results showed ZALEH residents place a high value on the energy efficiency features of their homes, and that the relative level of benefits is on the order of those seen in US programs.