Retrofitting Ireland: Building resilience into Irish homes

Retrofitting Ireland: Building resilience in Irish homes

Buildings are responsible for approximately 40% of EU energy consumption and 36% of the energy-related greenhouse gas emissions. In Europe today, 75% of buildings are not energy efficient, mostly as many of them were constructed before the current requirements were in place. About 85%-95% of today’s buildings will still be in use by 2050.

Ireland currently has around 1.7 million occupied homes. Housing a population of over five million, these homes consume about a quarter of the energy used in Ireland, as well as being responsible for 29% of energy-related greenhouse gas emissions.

According to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), Irish homes account for more emissions than the industrial sector. The average floor area of Irish homes is larger than in other EU member states and the emissions attributable to our homes in Ireland are about 58% more than the average EU home.

Some 57% of homeowners are planning to undertake renovations in their homes this year, spending on average €6,805 on the planned works. While the majority of those planning renovations intend spending less than €10,000, 12% of surveyed respondents planned more extensive works, allocating a spend of between €20,000 and €50,000, with 2% of respondents saying they intend to spend more than €50,000

Overall, there is a strong potential for sustainable home renovations in Ireland due to the relatively carbon intensive housing stock, strong government climate and energy goals and support for renovation, and many single-family dwellings facilitating easier decision-making.

Ireland has a strong decarbonisation target for the residential sector, with the ambition to retrofit almost 30% of the residential housing stock (500.000 homes) and install over 400.000 heat pumps.

To achieve this the Irish government has set up grant schemes supporting sustainable home renovation, including support for community schemes, and proposed a five billion euro fund focused on renovating social housing and homes of low-income households.

The event seeks to bring together elected representatives, Irish/EU policy experts, industry experts and citizens.

The format will consist of opening address and one panel, which will focus on both the practical challenges for Irish consumers in renovating their homes and buildings and upcoming policy changes in the sector and their implications. A particular focus will be directed at access to finance and what financial instruments are available for those thinking of retrofitting their homes and buildings.

Location: University of Limerick Jonathan Swift theatre University of Limerick V94 T9PX Castletroy Ireland

Admission is free.