Built with laser beams
KuSh BharGava, ceO of New Zealand energy Forum (NZeF) is attempting to win over more support for sustainable housing.
After two years of hard work and research, including a recent trip to view manufacturing plants in china, Bhargava and the team at NZ energy Forum are preparing to construct a demo home that is packed full of sustainable features including the use of renewable energies with solar power being one, and 70 – 80 percent less construction waste.
The demo building will be put together using Structurally Insulated Panels or SIPs, the panels are new to New Zealand but frequently used in the u.S.a. canada and europe. The homes that Bhargava would like to see New Zealanders living in will be modern, green homes constructed with incredible accuracy using laser technology. The outer walls are noise, water and fire proof and although it sounds strange – the walls ‘breath.’
The cost involved in constructing a home using SIPs is 30 – 40 percent less than the average cost of building a new home in NZ today and these houses can be constructed in just two – three weeks. Interested in knowing more?
www.nzenergyforum.com
Walking towards healthier business
ThIS COULD BE A GOOD time to activate your business by taking part in the world’s largest corporate health initiative! The Global corporate challenge (Gcc) was developed specifically for the workplace. It increases staff fitness, promotes teamwork, fosters a positive competitive spirit, and supports the workforce to be active, healthy, and more productive. Most importantly, it’s fun. Participants record their daily walking activity levels from their Gcc pedometer and every step moves them further along a virtual walk around the world.
With daily targets and a journey that provides reward for effort, participants have a great time while maintaining commitment and motivation to bring about positive, habitual change. The IN-Business team are IN and ready for all challeng-ers! Starting on May 21st, registrations are open but places are limited
www.gettheworldmoving.com
Bucking the trend
GEORGE ROTA from the Interface Financial Group (IFG) has reason to be cheerful. his company is a finalist in the 2009 vero Business Support awards in the high Growth category. IFG specialise in providing working capital for business and rota is Wel-lington regional franchise owner. as banks have tightened cash supplies to business borrowers over the last six months IFG have stepped in to fill the funding gap for some.
This was IFG’s first time entering the vero awards and they were sur-prised and delighted to hear they were selected as finalists, a development they hope will raise the profile of the service they offer the business commu-nity. although rota is still somewhat unsure why they reached the finals, “at a guess I’d say given the down-turn in the economy- compounded by the loss of confidence in the financial industry with the demise of numerous finance companies –the judges were possibly looking for an example of a sound business within the finance industry that has continued to make strides in growth against the negative market trend”.
“Of course – I was ecstatic as a regional owner. I am in awe and admiration of the other business final-ists and previous winners of the vero awards. Some are household names. Being recognized as a finalist has given confidence to all the team of national IFG Franchise owners. It has confirmed to the team that IFG is a very sound business and that clients; stakeholders and banks can take great confidence and comfort during these tempestuous financial times that IFG is here for the long term in supporting their businesses”. www.interfacefinancial.co.nz