Energy, Healthy Homes and greener places.
Research, comparisons and perspectives from Eco Wave Green.
Eco Wave Green (EWG) is a research and information platform exploring energy use, Healthy Homes, building performance and green infrastructure for readers in New Zealand and Australia. Articles and guides offer evidence and options for your own assessment.
Business energy
How does a business use energy?
Explore how equipment, controls and operating patterns shape energy use.
EWG brings together research and practical observations for comparing energy use, operating conditions and possible approaches.
Explore business energySite assessments are available by arrangement in the Wellington Region.
Ways to explore with EWG
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Read the research
Articles bring together evidence, local context and different perspectives on energy, buildings and the environment. Browse the subjects that interest you.
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Compare possibilities
Guides explore how costs, performance and practical circumstances can vary. Assumptions and limitations are part of the comparison.
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A closer look at a site
For visitors interested in a particular site, EWG offers scoped reviews of available information. The scope, written assessment and any fee are agreed individually.
An example of a site assessment
Fictional example. Actual assessments reflect the information available and the agreed scope.
- The subject
- Electricity use outside a small business’s opening hours.
- Available information
- Opening hours and recent bills are available; a breakdown of overnight use is not.
- Questions to explore
- How does the usage pattern compare with opening hours? Which equipment requires continuous operation?
- Possible interpretations
- Overnight use may reflect essential equipment, scheduled tasks or controls. Interval data and equipment information would allow a more detailed assessment.
Energy tools & guides
Energy calculators and equipment guides.
Explore solar, lighting, refrigeration and variable-frequency drive (VFD) guides. Home heating, hot water and VFD calculators are in preparation.
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Solar
Site energy guide
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Lighting
Hours & controls guide
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Heating
Calculator in preparation
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Hot water
Calculator in preparation
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Refrigeration
Operating losses guide
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Pumps & fans
Understand VFDs
Green Planet Vision
The Green Planet Vision connects energy use and indoor conditions with green infrastructure, biodiversity and climate adaptation. EWG explores these relationships with attention to people, resources and place.
Research with a practical purpose
Research offers ways to assess relationships between energy use, ecological conditions, climate resilience and public value.
Explore research-
Ecology & living systemsEcology Pressure Radar
Explore the connections between water, biodiversity, waste and changing environmental conditions in New Zealand.
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Climate resilience & local places
Climate Adaptation & Local Infrastructure
Consider how local infrastructure, climate exposure, funding and public value relate to one another.
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Emissions & delivery
Low Carbon Progress Quality
Compare emissions trends, implementation and the assumptions behind different measures of progress.
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Energy performance & policy
World Energy Savings Benchmark
Explore international energy performance approaches and the mechanisms New Zealand could use.
Practical energy reading
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Understanding energy waste
How operating hours and controls relate to useful energy use and avoidable losses.
Read about operating losses -
Funding & project value
How evidence, costs, funding conditions and timing influence a project’s possibilities.
Read about funding & value -
Understanding site energy options
Explore energy demand, capacity and the operating conditions behind different site options.
Read about site energy options
Research & perspective
EWG’s approach
Eco Wave Green brings together research, source checking and practical context to explore energy, buildings and the environment. The emphasis is on clear information, alternative perspectives and the value of different options in their setting.
- What can I explore with EWG?
- Research articles and equipment guides offer different ways to assess costs, performance and environmental context.
- Which places does EWG cover?
- Research considers New Zealand and Australia. Optional site assessments are available by arrangement in the Wellington Region of New Zealand.
- How are options compared?
- Comparisons consider sources, assumptions, local conditions and limitations. The value and suitability of an option vary with its setting.