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INTRODUCTION

There is an overarching national & international policy framework in place designed towards decarbonising the built environment. The main channels of delivering change are:

  • Energy efficiency – using fabric upgrades to reduce heat loss & using more efficient heat sources
  • Energy management – using low-cost measures to optimise energy use through control devices and/or behavioural change
  • Fuel switching – switching from high carbon-intensity to low carbon-intensity fuels.

Though the ultimate objective is to reduce the carbon emissions from space-heating & water-heating in buildings, the first step in the process is energy conservation by adapting a fabric-first approach. For many older dwellings in Ireland, these solutions alone can deliver 60-70% energy savings. When combined with better efficient, low-carbon heat sources, the savings can be even greater. 

NATIONAL OVERVIEW

So how are we doing regarding energy conservation & emission reduction in the residential sector? Not very good, unfortunately.

The following 2018 headline figures from SEAI publications are informative:

  • The average Irish home used 7% more energy than the average EU home use.
  • More alarmingly, the average Irish home emitted 60% more CO2 than the EU average, due to the current high dependency on oil, coal & peat.
  • Space- & water-heating accounts for 80% of household energy use, with the 20% balance used for lighting & appliances.
  • Over the 2000–2016 period, population increased by 25%. However, there was a disproportionate total floor area increase of 60%.

GOVERNMENT SUPPORTS

The Government, through existing SEAI grant schemes, continues to offer significant financial incentives towards carrying out energy efficiency upgrades of the home.

  • Better Energy Homes (individual grants per measure)
  • Warmer Homes Scheme (100% grant towards certain measures, Applicant eligibility subject to certain social welfare criteria)
  • Better Energy Community Grants

In addition to the substantial energy cost savings & environmental benefits, there are many more very important co-benefits for home-owners & occupants:

  • Increased comfort levels
  • Health & well-being
  • Enhanced disposal income for education, recreation, etc
  • Reduced home maintenance costs
  • Increased home valuation
  • Creates local employment

On a national level, these upgrades contribute to:

  • Reduced exposure to fuel price volatility
  • Reduced fuel imports
  • Towards our mandatory EU emission reduction targets

NEXT STEPS

Survey & Design Services is actively involved in recruitment of energy retrofit projects for the SEAI Better Energy Communities Grant program. From initial appraisal to grant application to project delivery, Survey & Design Services provide services throughout the entire process. For anyone contemplating an energy upgrade of their property, please contact us for details of services & fees.

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