Water System
While our main focus has been on achieving Zero Energy, other goals have also influenced the design and construction of the house.
Water usage minimisation is one of those. As well as being environmentally responsible it plays a significant role in the efficient operation of a home.
The average Auckland household spends around $660 a year on water1, which equates to $16,500 over a standard 25-year mortgage term.
Water can be thought of as an end-to-end system for a home, from when it first enters the property, till when it leaves. This provides opportunities across the supply, distribution, demand, and disposal of water to conserve use and reduce cost.
On top of that, water usage has direct impacts on energy consumption within a home, which means it’s closely linked to our Zero Energy goal.
Footnotes
- Based on average household consumption of 150,000 litres a year (see footnote 2) at current Watercare rates (see footnote 3).
- Building Research Association New Zealand (BRANZ). (2008). Auckland Water Use Study - Monitoring of Residential Water End Uses. Calculation based on data in table 2, p4.
- Watercare Services Limited. (2012). Residential water and wastewater charges. p2.