Ireland’s Built Environment

When it comes to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and the energy usage of Ireland’s built environment, the primary users of energy and contributors to GHG emissions are the residential, commercial and public service sectors. These are significant final energy users and, therefore, are a crucial focus for GHG emissions reductions in the government’s Climate Action Plan.

Key actions for Ireland in the Built Environment by 2030:
7% per annum reduction in overall GHG emissions from 2021 to 2030 (a 51% reduction over the decade) and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

Retrofitting of existing homes reaching over 500,000 by 2030 to minimum BER B2 standard, as part of the EU Renovation Wave strategy.
Homeowners to generate their own electricity and sell it back to the grid under a scheme for micro-generation
600,000 heat pumps installed (400,000 in existing buildings)
Improve the energy efficiency of public sector buildings by 50% by 2030 – to BER B ratings
One third of commercial (including mixed-use) buildings to have a B BER (or carbon equivalent
gains) by 2030
Ensure a suitable policy framework is in place to support district heating.

Opportunity to Eradicate Energy Poverty

A big part of upgrading Ireland’s domestic housing stock provides a huge opportunity to solve the Energy Poverty crisis we have. Energy poverty is an inability to light or heat one’s home to an adequate degree and it currently effects circa. 17% of Irish households. Within the government’s Climate Action Plan, a strategy to deal with energy poverty is correctly identified and aims to alleviate the burden on the most vulnerable in society through actions focused on improving the efficiency of homes, supporting lower-income households with their energy costs and minimising the costs associated with action on climate change. In this regard there are a number of government initiatives focused on upgrading these homes and reducing the levels of fuel poverty.

Ireland’s Built Environment

How do we Upgrade our Homes? Click here to find out more…