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Energy Efficiency

To help Ireland reach the 2020 and 2030 goals of reducing CO2 emissions by 20% and 30% respectively, energy efficiency measures are key in order to reach those targets. As well as using energy saving tips they are major changes that can be made to Irish homes involving renewable technology. With the help of SEAI grants and the cost savings on bills such as heating and electricity, home renewable technologies are a cost effective way of upgrading a house energy rating.

Ireland have a binding contract with the EU that by 2020, 20% of our total energy will be renewable and by 2030, 35% of our total energy will be renewable. Renewable energy is derived from natural resources that are continuously replenished. As well as being constantly replenished, renewable energy can be utilised without damaging the environment. Home renewable technology is considerably well developed and is constantly improving and becoming more efficient.

To help Ireland reach their renewable and CO2 targets, the following fact sheets have been prepared to provide homeowners with information on the available technologies and efficiency measures to help save energy costs and to improve the energy efficiency of houses.

View our Energy Efficiency Fact Sheets

When a building is well insulated, not only does it save money but it makes living more comfortable.

For the different types of insulation and draught proofing methods see fact sheet 2 and fact sheet 3.

Having an efficient heating system, reducing the amount of hot water used and the efficiency at which the water is heated is vital to reducing energy costs in the home and the impact it has on the environment. To see how to get the best out of heating see fact sheet 4.

Energy efficient lighting is the simplest change a householder can make to save energy. Savings in lighting energy usage can be as high as 85% compared to traditional lighting. To see the cost savings of efficient lighting, see fact sheet 5.

Labelling helps consumers to choose the most energy-efficient products, lowering energy bills and reducing impact on the environment. To understand how an energy label can help improve consumers choice, see fact sheet 6.

Heat-Pumps can help reduce energy costs for space heating and hot water production between 40-60%. To see the different types of Heat-Pumps and the cost savings when compared to traditional heating, see fact sheet 7.

Building Energy Rating is an indication of energy performance of a dwelling. Before availing of the SEAI grants for energy schemes a BER is required. To learn more about BER, see fact sheet 8.

Even with Ireland’s overcast climate, solar heating is still an extremely viable option. The benefits of solar water far outweigh the upfront cost of the system. To learn about grants and the cost savings of solar heating, see fact sheet 9.

Using wood biomass offers a renewable alternate to fossil fuels as its a carbon neutral process and will also create many jobs in the sector.

To find more information on wood fuels, see fact sheet 10.

As well offering protection against dampness, air tightness ensures proper ventilation and sound protection.

To find ways of improving air tightness, see fact sheet 11.

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