Energy

For maximum energy efficiency, homes should be designed to make the most of natural daylight.

Lighting accounts for 13% of electricity used in an average New Zealand home.

For maximum energy efficiency, homes should be designed to make the most of natural light during daylight hours.  See daylighting for details.

However, artificial lighting is necessary for times when natural lighting is not available/adequate and for specific tasks. Artificial lighting – especially using LED fixtures – can be designed to provide appropriate lighting levels while using energy efficiently.

A report commissioned by EECA calculated that LEDs can save householders $75 per lamp over their lifetime compared to using incandescent bulbs. The net savings to New Zealand from reduced peak electricity demand are even higher, at $150 per lamp.

EECA calculations show another benefit of LEDs – reduced greenhouse gas emissions. “If every New Zealand household installed LED lighting, we’d avoid 82,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions every year – the emissions of almost 34,000 petrol cars.”

In the 2023 Budget, the Government’s expansion of the Warmer Kiwi Homes Programme included the provision of 5 million LED light bulbs.

Outdoor lighting

Outdoor lighting helps with safe access to a home after dark and can also provide security. Smart outdoor lighting systems are available that can be connected to WiFi and operated through a smartphone app. You can set the time the lights go on and off. With lights that are activated by movement, the app can control the sensitivity of the sensor, the time period the light remains on and the light level.

Updated: 12 June 2023