Climate and Energy
Waterford City and County Council has a commitment to improve our energy efficiency by 50% by 2030 and we also have a responsibility to help the Waterford public make energy savings.
Waterford is already well underway to meeting its targets, including meeting the energy needs of our buildings while adding renewable energy where practical, and beginning the electrification of our fleet of vehicles. We also have a commitment to help householders in Waterford to save energy.
Our Energy Consumption
According to the SEAI’s 2023 Annual Report on Public Sector Energy Performance (the latest report as of August 2025), Waterford City & County Council’s energy consumption was down 25% compared to the 2009 baseline, and C02 emissions were down 11% compared to the 2009 baseline. We are continuing to retrofit our social housing stock in order to improve housing energy efficiency and saving residents money, bringing housing to a BER rating of B.
The 2030 Emission Reduction Target as set out in the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021 is a 51% absolute reduction in overall greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, setting us on a path to reach net-zero emissions by no later than 2050, as well as a 50% improvement in energy efficiency across all Council operations.
Energy Efficiency Upgrades of Council Buildings
In partnership with the SEAI and the Southeast Energy Agency, WCCC have delivered over 30 energy efficiency improvement projects on public buildings, reducing energy costs and making buildings more comfortable for occupants. One of the projects funded through the Better Energy Community fund was the installation of a 50kWp solar photovoltaic (PV) array that has produced 49.1 Mega Watt Hours (MWH) in a year.
Lighting
WCCC is engaging in a programme to replace inefficient streetlights with LEDs or Light-Emitting Diode, a type of lighting that can be up to 75% more energy efficient than traditional types of bulbs.
Energy Management
Waterford City & County Council is working towards achieving the ISO 500001 Standard for Energy Management. This standard is an internationally recognised scheme for efficient energy management within organisations. Achieving the standard included steps such as developing an in-house energy policy, energy objectives, and an energy planning process.
How It Works:
- Commit: Commitment from top management and establish an energy management team
- Identify: Establish a baseline, assess your current energy use and your areas of energy use
- Plan: Establish Action Plan & key opportunities
- Take action: Implement action plans
- Document: Report and review your success
The decision to work towards ISO 50001 was taken for several reasons:
-the benefits of applying best practice energy management in everyday operations
-reduced energy costs
-contribute to compliance with energy efficiency and emission reduction obligations
Vehicles and Council Fleet
13 electric vehicles are now part of the Waterford City & County Council fleet, including electric vans and utility vehicles.
Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (HVO) is being used by approximately 12% of the Waterford City & County Council fleet in place of diesel.
WCCC are currently working with partners in the region to create an Electric Vehicle (EV) charging strategy for the County, which will identify the areas in greatest need of charging infrastructure. The Council will then work with ZEVI, the national EV office, to install the required infrastructure.
Energy Efficiency In The Home
Energy Efficiency In The Home
Community Energy Hub: The Community Energy Hub was developed by the South East Energy Agency, a not for profit energy agency based in Kilkenny, providing energy services to all citizens across the southeast of Ireland. In conjunction with POBAL, Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford & Waterford Libraries, the South East Energy Agency have created the Hub to help households, community groups and businesses to better understand energy efficiency and help streamline grant and funding information for citizens to undertake energy upgrades for their homes, communities and business.
Energy-Saving Booklet: In response to the energy-related issues facing Irish households, in 2022 Waterford City and County Council’s Climate Action Team developed the Energy Saving Booklet. Though a small gesture, it is intended to act as a baseline from which the people of Waterford can reduce their use, reduce their emissions and save money.
Download the Energy Saving Booklet: Click here
Leagan Gaeilge: Click here
SEAI provide three kinds of grants for homeowners who would like to make their homes warmer and more energy efficient:
Individual Energy Upgrade Grants for upgrading an individual element of the home
One Stop Shop Service, a complete home energy upgrade solution
Fully Funded Energy Upgrade, a funded complete home energy upgrade for qualifying homeowners in receipt of certain welfare benefits.
See all information about the grants here. Energy Efficient Homes – Home Energy Upgrades And Grants | SEAI
