I've just come back from three days at buildnz designex. This week I report back on some of the highlights from the show and some great new products to look out for.

Plus, a question about reducing VOCs and toxicity in a new home:

1. Don't be fooled by the name 'eco..'
2. Look for known, third party verification like ISO 14001, Environment Choice or FSC and looked for reporte figures on VOCs
3. Use Envirospec 
4. Ask your designer, supplier and builder, to specify, supply and use low VOC and non-formaldehyde products

Links from the show:

• http://homestylegreen.com/buildnz-designex/
• http://www.gelighting.com/LightingWeb/apac/
• http://buildnz.com/buildnz.htm
• http://homestylegreen.com/insulated-concrete-floor/
• http://www.lifemark.co.nz/home.aspx
• http://www.splashmonitoring.com/
• http://www.fibaro.com/nz
• http://www.resene.co.nz/

Aridon is a brand new product to keep your house warmer, dryer and to help build it quicker. And it's a Kiwi invention.

Sound too good to be true?

I spoke with creators and owners of the company, Christina Gomes and Stephen Pinkney.

For more information check out: www.aridon.co.nz

You can also check out Aridon, and me this weekend at BuildNZ | Designex: http://buildnz.com/

http://buildnz.com/certifiedbuilders.htm

Christina and Stephen's recommendations:

• Grand Designs: http://amzn.to/1as4VPn
• Every Bastard Says No: The 42 Below Story

Vector is the electricity distribution, or the 'lines' company for Auckland. Vector is not an electricity generator (in the traditional sense). Nor are they a retailer (in the traditional sense). So why are they now selling solar oiwer systems for homes that generate electricity? I spoke with CEO Simon Mackenzie to find out. 

For more information about their system, check out http://vector.co.nz/solar

The New Zealand Building Code is implementation of the Building Act 2004. It's a 'performanced-based' code, but don't let the name fool you. In this epside I discuss why the Building Code can't be relied upon to produce a good home for you, and what you can do about it. 

Useful Link: 

EECA Report Investigatin quality of insulation in new build residential homes:http://www.eeca.govt.nz/node/11719