Research.

Totarabank was founded based on research carried out through Massey University's Centre for Energy Research. Some of the research has been completed, some is still underway;

• A.Duncan - Masters degree in 2005 looked at solar design tools to aid energy efficient house design, subdivision layout to optimise solar resource, and on-site thermal energy self-sufficiency (coppicing firewood). For details click here
• Designing resilient communities - an article published Survey Quarterly, the professional journal of the Institute of Surveyors. click here
• Mandy Armstrong - Masters degree in progress developing a decision support framework to guide communities in decision making in regard to energy generation and conservation on site. For outline details, click
• Sylain Lamige - intern project analysing in detail the thermal performance of buildings meeting the covenant requirements (based on the house under construction on lot 2). For details click here
• Lea - intern project analysing the renewable energy resources availble at Totarabank to aid in assessment of renewable energy generation decisions. For details click here
• Brad McEldowney - 4th year project researching grid connection options.
• Jason Turley - 4th year project researching the possibility of concentrating solar collectors for water heating.
• other articles are available in the Massey magazine, in the BUILD magazine (August/September 2005), Growing today (April 06).