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.
According to the SEAI’s 2023 Annual Report on Public Sector Energy Performance, Waterford City & County Council’s energy consumption is down 25% compared to the 2009 baseline, and C02 emissions are 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.
Case Studies Of Council Building Retrofits
This information is currently being prepared.
Vehicles and Council Fleet
Waterford City and County Council purchased their first electric fleet vehicles in 2014. Recently three electric vans have been added to the fleet and Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (HVO) has been trialled on the heavier vehicles that do not have electric equivalents at present. WCCC will continue to replace our fleet with low emission vehicles. 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
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
