http://www.climateoutcome.kiwi.nz/blog.html

Adapting houses to a changing climate.

8/3/2016

As part of a course on climate change with Exeter University through Future Learn I have to show a house that is adapted to the changing climate.
As I have made some changes myself I am showing what I have done to adapt my own house to today’s conditions compared to the conditions it was built to encounter.

The changes I have made are

Doubled the number of rain down pipes to 6 to accommodate the more extreme rainfall we experience.
Fitted drainage gutters in the garden on the upside of the slope to channel away flood water.
Put in more thermal insulation to the roof and to the underfloor to preserve heat in the winter.
Fitted heavy curtains to insulate the windows in winter as the heating could not keep up with the heat loss.
Installed solar panels to eliminate electricity bills.
Fitted a time switch to use the solar electricity to heat the water during the day.
Installed fans over the cooker and shower to reduce moisture inside the house.
Fitted LED lighting to reduce electricity consumption at night.
We moved to the middle of town and dramatically reduced our petrol consumption.

These changes were not expensive and have made the house much more comfortable and save very considerably on the running costs

4 Comments

Bob Bristow

9/3/2016 09:43:33 pm

Suddenly Climate Change is not a distant, future happening, it is already being noted & measured, especially in the High Northern Latitudes and your home changes are very sensible. Sadly I looked at several new housing development projects in my neighborhood - not a single solar panel noted, surely the build time is the best time to fit.

This in the New Zealand Doctor News room today:-

The RNZCGP has come out with its strongest statement yet on climate change, saying it “unequivocally acknowledges” it as a threat to health and equity in New Zealand and that GPs will be among the first to deal with the expected impacts.

The RNZCGP’s policy statement predicts that rising temperatures, altered ecosystems and changes to production and economics caused by human activity will increasingly affect the health of New Zealanders, particularly the most vulnerable groups.

Some potential impacts on GPs may include:

* a need to develop new knowledge and skills to deal with illnesses such as Dengue Fever and Ross River Virus.

* more attention needed to help vulnerable patient groups such as Maori, Pasifika, children and the elderly

* changes and/or increases in disease surveillance requirements

* changes to patient demographics due to climate refugees

* a greater need for disaster preparedness.

While there might be some positive effects from climate change on health, such as increased agricultural productivity and modest reductions in cold-related mortality and morbidity in some areas, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has concluded these would be outweighed by the negative impacts.

http://www.nzdoctor.co.nz/news/2016/march-2016/09/college-draws-line-in-the-sand-on-climate-change-saying-gps-will-feel-impact.aspx

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22/5/2017 01:07:51 pm

We all have different kinds of climate and to have a shelter is an investment that we all must do. I wish that there are other creations like this so that we may have a strong house that may stand against the strongest changes that we may encounter. This will keep us away from all of the dangers that we may face. I will keep on seeking this shelter.

Bob Bingham

10/3/2016 11:28:21 am

Hi Bob the course that i am doing is with Future Learn https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/climate-change-challenges-and-solutions/3/todo/3730
With Exeter Univercity and it comers impacts and mitigation which in new to me and gives a good insight into the impacts of climate change and what we can do to reduce the impact.

David Smith

27/5/2016 10:38:38 am

"eliminate electricity bills"
Ho ho!
How much did the solar panels cost to buy and install? How long is their working life? What are the maintenance costs? How long until they break even when compared to the conventional energy bills you would have paid?
Tell me, have you completely disconnected from the grid? I bet you haven't...

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Adapting houses to a changing climate.

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