Homestar is the world's first independent tool to rate and measure homes for health and sustainability.

We helped NZGBC to build the value proposition, funding partnerships, and co-led the design methodology, through a Technical Advisory Group to develop the measurement criteria for Homestar. 

Homestar assesses the health, warmth, and efficiency of homes. It encourages the construction of high-performing homes by providing a rating out of 10, with higher ratings indicating better performance in terms of energy efficiency, water use, indoor air quality, and material sustainability.

Homestar has contributed positively to the sustainability of New Zealand's housing market, with a growing number of homes achieving higher ratings and setting new standards for energy efficiency and environmental impact. 

Project Impact:

• Enhanced Community Wellbeing: Healthier homes contribute to the wellbeing of the occupants, and by extension, the wider community.

• Improved Indoor Air Quality: Homestar promotes design and construction practices that enhance ventilation and minimize pollutants, leading to better indoor air quality.

• Reduced Energy Consumption: By encouraging the use of energy-efficient appliances, insulation, and renewable energy sources, Homestar-rated homes typically consume less energy, leading to lower utility bills for homeowners.

• Lower Greenhouse Gas Emissions: With a focus on energy-efficient design, Homestar helps reduce a home's carbon footprint, contributing to New Zealand's climate goals.

• Efficient Water Use: Homestar promotes water-saving features such as low-flow fixtures, rainwater harvesting, and efficient landscaping, which help reduce water consumption and lower water bills.

• Reduced Environmental Impact: Homestar promotes the use of sustainable and low-impact building materials, which can lower the carbon footprint of construction and reduce waste.

• Waste Minimization: The rating system encourages builders to reduce, reuse, and recycle materials during construction, decreasing landfill waste.

• Adaptation to Changing Weather Patterns: Homestar-rated homes are designed to be more resilient to extreme weather events, such as floods and heatwaves, which are expected to increase due to climate change.