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/