http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=270857610

Smart Meters are about money… end of story!

Why else would large corporations that are already making huge amounts of profit want to install meters that will supposedly assist consumers?  These meters allow energy retailers to charge by time of day.  This means more money for the retailer as they can match the rates being charged by the generators - thus keeping a healthy margin!

Oh, and turning off applicances at peak times - for whose benefit is that?  Again the tranmission and generation companies!  It means they can put off either building more capacity and / or not upgrade existing infrastructure.  Both great ways to keep their profits up!

I think I will wait until the IQ of these meters gets into double digits! 

To enable travellers coming to New Zealand to offset their carbon dioxide emissions from travelling we have partnered with CO2 Sorted. As part of this deal we offer discounts to people who have signed up to CO2 sorted.

The four winners were from Lincoln University. They were Nicola Price (Commerce) Jody Tuuta (Landscape) Dan Allan (Teacher of Drama and English) and Lisa Norris (Social Work and Human Resource Services Post Graduate)

The winning flat occupants endeavored to shop differently using sustainable green products, walked to University to do a course for a month at a workshop of practical help to change to more sustainable practices in life.

Clarenden Eco-Stay in the beautiful Marlborough region of New Zealand was a sponser for the winning prize, a weekend stay. The winning flat mates arrived by Tranz Rail to Picton from Christcurch where they were meet by manager of the property and Marlborough Tour Bus Company.

The package was to live for a few days in an eco-sustainable accommodation, and to experience that to live well and comfortably in the practical sense requires a different way of thinking: than living in a city. Apart from personal gear they were required to bring their own food.  Clarenden has a gas hob, wood fireplace with flat top to cook on (which also heats the water) and a microwave.

Cooking was a challenge, the expectation was a modern electric stove in which to cook pizza.  Improvisations took place and once familiar with the kitchen and the wood fire all were well fed.

Surrounded by native bush the question was where the source of fuel for the fire comes from.  No native bush is cut as the Marlborough district is full of pine-tree plantations also used for export . The unwanted timber is used for fire-wood.

The students found the stay quiet and peaceful. Resorting to card games and conversations. Although Clarenden is set up connected to the outside world by means of satellite internet should one wish to use their laptop.  At night the students found the beds comfortable and all had a great night sleep with the sounds of rustling native bush to wake to early bird song.

Discovery was the nature of the journey taking what is learnt in the classroom and living the actual lesson. The stay broke down many myths of solar energy and sustainable living the students had not considered.  All went home with renewed insight of how to live a sustainable life in a world swamped with advanced technology. Learning that one does not have to step back in time and live like a pioneer of days of yesteryear when desiring to be more sustainable.  Myths were broken that one can have a modern washing machine, high pressure hot showers, microwave etc and be sustained by the energy mother earth gives freely.

The balance of having knowledge, walking and living the experience for a future of sustainability. That was the result of their stay.

Written by Marie Hazledine-Barber

The biggest factor that I see missing from nearly all so called “eco homes” is the sustainable price tag!
i.e. they don’t cost the earth to build or maintain.  One of the main reasons I did not go mud brick, rammed earth or straw bale was basically costs.  Not that these methods should be more expensive, logically they should be cheaper, especially if sourcing materials on site.  However the labour costs if not doing it yourself were prohibitive when I investigated building using these methods.

So what else then?  Well, I took a standard off the shelf  “kitset home” and tweaked it.  Thus a “cheap” entry level house (or bach) which cost maybe 10-15% more for “sustainable” features. i.e. super insulated etc.  It is not rocket science to build a house that can have a radically reduced heating and cooling requirement, I am amazed though at the number of so called architects who do not even understand basic passive solar design principles.

So what to do if you are designing or building a home to make it more sustainable?

Just keeping asking questions!  If your architect, builder, supplier or consultant says something “doesn’t work”, double check with someone else!  All too often people say something “doesn’t work” when they don’t know anything about the particular issue rather than appearing stupid!

Remember there is no such thing as a stupid question - just stupid people who never ask questions!

Google is onto this as well with google powermeter currently in beta and some utility companies in the USA are already making inroads.  Living in an off grid home you naturally have to learn this skill as you usually have a limited energy budget to work within, unlike being connected to the grid.

http://www.organicexplorer.co.nz/

We look forward to the 1st prize winners coming to stay at the Off Grid Eco Stay!

Is this yet another dose of short sightedness?  When in reality energy savings and carbon-neutral programmes can actaully provide a positive financial return.  Eg solar hot water systems or grid tied PV systems on government buildings.

New Zealands clean green 100% pure image is yet again being tarnished, if it actually exists at all!