Sustainability Options – 20 Degrees Programme
A healthy home isn’t just about feeling warmer – it’s about fewer sick days, lower power bills, and whānau feeling good in their own space.
Through our Healthy Families pou, Rotorua Trust is proud to support the 20 Degrees programme, delivered by Sustainability Options alongside partners including Unison. This kaupapa is all about practical, everyday changes that make homes healthier, safer and more comfortable, all year round.
Homes that are safe and dry help reduce illness and create the conditions for people to thrive.
While reaching 20°C in winter matters, the focus goes beyond warmth alone. It’s about healthier homes year-round through simple habits, practical improvements and shared knowledge that reduce dampness, improve air quality and support long-term well-being.
The 20 Degrees programme supports whānau through:
• Education to care for homes, manage energy use and reduce dampness
• Repairs and maintenance to improve safety and living conditions
• Essential items such as insulation, heaters, curtains, beds and safety equipment
The infographic shows the collective impact of this mahi over eight months (April–November). Each number represents a home improved, a whānau supported, and another step towards better health and wellbeing across Rotorua.
Alongside in-home support, Sustainability Options also offers a wide range of free, practical resources online to help people take action, including:
• Monitoring warmth and moisture with thermometers and hygrometers
• Reducing damp and mould through ventilation, extractor fans and cleaning tips
• Improving warmth with insulation, curtains, secondary glazing and draught stopping
• Using heating efficiently, including heat pumps, portable heaters and thermostats
• Safer homes with advice on hot water temperature and external leaks
Explore the free resources and learn more:
