Rachel Hargreaves.
This report aimed to help Beacon understand and potentially get involved in the ‘retrofit scene’ in New Zealand. For example, who the main players are, what commercial companies are already operating in this area, how Community Trusts operate, etc. and from this, identify key components of a commercially viable retrofit model. Ideally, the commercial retrofit model should complement and, if possible, strengthen the Community Trust work.
A number of Community Trusts in New Zealand are involved in implementing retrofit programmes (mostly energy related) in the residential sector. This has, to date, mostly involved low-income households in relatively small numbers across New Zealand. Trusts, by their very nature, are largely reliant on grants and subsidies to carry out their initiatives for the benefit of their respective communities.