The Green Party is celebrating the success of its home insulation programme with the National-led Government.
"The Green Party is delighted that its agreement with the National Party has borne fruit that is good for the environment, good for people's health and good for the economy," Dr Russel Norman Green Party Co-leader said today.
Over 50,000 homes have already benefited from home insulation, clean heat and other energy efficiency measures, making a dramatic dent in the number of cold, damp homes across the country. The programme is the result of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Green and National Parties, which seeks to find areas of common ground where the parties can work together.
The Greens have campaigned for years on the economic, social and environmental benefits of such a programme, and recognise it as a key plank in any Green New Deal as it is addressing both the climate crisis and the economic crisis at the same time.
"This is an investment in the future health of New Zealanders. We estimate that the country will recover this investment four-fold in 20 years through energy and health savings," Dr Norman said.
"If funding is extended beyond the four year commitment as we expect it to be, all of the approximately 900,000 homes in need of remedial action will receive assistance and in less time than previously estimated.
"Research indicates that insulated homes use on average 20 percent less energy than un-insulated homes. People report health improvements, including half the number of respiratory symptoms. Children in warm houses have half the number of days off school.
"This is an example of how two parties who differ fundamentally on much of their political agenda can work together constructively on matters of common interest for the benefit of New Zealanders," Dr Norman said.
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