Energy efficient stories
Better indoor air and lower energy bills could come from choosing the right plants, researchers say, but evidence is still limited.
Delegates at the Auckland expo will hear how tighter energy management could cut costs as New Zealand faces looming climate targets.
Lower electricity use could come from treated trees and houseplants that glow softly, as MIT researchers test plant-based lighting.
A 3D-printed terracotta facade could cut cooling costs in air-con-heavy cities by letting water seep through and evaporate to cool air.
Judges will narrow the field on 7 August, with winners of New Zealand’s only timber design awards to be unveiled at an Auckland gala in September.
Housing prices are likely to stay firm for some time unless the government finds new ways to unlock supply and affordability.
Residents will get softer, less intrusive lighting as the NZD $7.2 million upgrade cuts glare, boosts safety and saves power.
Rising cyberattacks on smart grids are driving utilities to adopt stronger identity checks and encryption as connected meters multiply 30% a year.
Robotic construction could cut costs and speed work on a school serving 1,800 people across 12 villages in Jiangxi province.
New Zealand households and farmers could face higher carbon costs, while more trees and low-emissions vehicles are encouraged under the plan.
The conference aims to help New Zealand build a low-carbon economy and create jobs, as it eyes net zero by 2050.
Hidden corrosion under insulation is costing industry billions, with hundreds of failures each year and major risks to pressured pipes and vessels.
Larger New Zealand businesses and public bodies will get help cutting bills and carbon under a revamped training course.
Autonomous electric fleets could cut road deaths and commute costs sharply, forcing ministers to rethink how New Zealand manages transport demand.
Demand for digital skills is set to outpace graduates in New Zealand, with smarter homes and medical drone trials also set to affect daily life.
Auckland households can now check whether rooftop solar will pay off, using a free calculator that maps shading and roof angles.
Low productivity in construction is pushing firms towards robotics, 3D printing and modular building as McKinsey says the sector lags on R&D.
Small wastewater operators can cut energy use and avoid clogging, as the separator handles fibrous sludge, grease and manure continuously.
Better safety and quality control in prefab building could speed up cheaper, more durable projects as Victoria unveils a world first code.
Rebuild spending and repaired homes are reviving Christchurch’s case for top-city status, with billions still to go and 2020 milestones ahead.
