Top health and building science experts are gathered in Wellington this week at a conference of eco design advisors from around the country.

Victoria University professors and advocates for sustainable home design, Robert and Brenda Vale sparked robust debate with their presentation on climate change entitled "Green Building, Hair Dressing on the Titanic?". The Vales support the role of green building in educating kiwi homeowners to make the right choices in their home design and building, but cautioned that this work is just the "tip of the iceberg" when it comes to long term changes required to address climate change.

"Eco design advisors have been working in councils for the past five years, helping to improve living standards and to reduce the environmental footprint of residential buildings," says conference organiser Richard Morrison, Eco Design Advisor at the Kapiti Coast District Council.

"In coming together this year, we wanted to challenge ourselves on the role that we play as eco design advisors, and look for ways to make more meaningful change in our communities and living environments. What we need to do is bring about a sea change, which as the Vales suggest, is akin to turning around a super tanker."

60 delegates are attending the conference held at the BNZ Harbour Quays, the first building in New Zealand to achieve 6 Green Stars for its office interiors. Entering its final day, the programme includes workshops for eco design advisors, home energy assessors and sustainable living tutors from around the country, and an open forum to raise the profile of the eco design service to other councils, community organisations and the Government.

Other speakers at the conference include Dr Julian Crane from the Department of Medicine at Otago University, speaking on asthma and respiratory issues related to building design; and BRANZ principal scientist Mark Bassett, speaking on moisture issues in the home.

"Eco design advisors provide free, independent advice on housing-related sustainability matters to families, homeowners and the wider community," says Mr Morrison. "We want to spread our knowledge and techniques for encouraging homeowners to build or renovate to a higher standard of health and sustainability. Forums such as this conference help us to do just that."