A HOME improvement incentive scheme was announced yesterday which, if implemented in full, will lead to 1 million of the 1.7 million homes in the State being retrofitted to increase energy efficiency.
Minister for Energy Eamon Ryan yesterday announced the home energy savings scheme for existing homes, designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reduce energy use.
The scheme is to be introduced on a pilot basis with an initial investment of EUR5 million available in four areas - North Tipperary, Co Limerick, Co Clare and Dundalk. Some 2,000 homes will be retro-fitted in this first phase, with State financial contributions of up to EUR2,600 per home available.
However, when the scheme is widened to a nationwide level in 2009, some EUR100 million will be made available for retro-fitting incentives, said Mr Ryan.
The scheme will target older housing as these dwellings are most in need of retro-fitting.
Under the scheme, for an outlay of EUR100, the householder will be entitled to have their home assessed by an adviser who will give the house a building energy rating. Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) will pay the balance of the approximate EUR350 cost.
The adviser will then set out a schedule of work that may include attic insulation; wall insulation; low-emission double glazing, heating control or replacement of the boiler. The Government will then pay up to 30 per cent of the cost of these works to a maximum of EUR2,500.
According to SEI estimates, the average household will then save up to EUR500 in their energy bills every year.
HARRY McGEE
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Showing posts with label housing and energy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label housing and energy. Show all posts
Wednesday, 30 April 2008
Tuesday, 29 January 2008
Bungalows least energy efficient, survey finds
Bungalow-type dwellings have been found to be the least energy efficient when it comes to complying with new energy regulations, according to a UCD study.
From July 1st, new dwellings seeking planning permission will have to achieve a 40 per cent reduction in energy consumption and a 40 per cent reduction in related CO2 emissions.
The UCD study, commissioned by the Department of the Environment, looked at nine different-sized detached, semi-detached and terraced houses and apartments, to see how they would comply with the 40 per cent reduction in energy consumption.
Vivienne Brophy, director of UCD energy group, said the bungalow was the only dwelling type which still did not comply with the proposed regulations after a number of modifications were made. Changes included improving insulation, glazing and boiler efficiency and switching to low-energy lighting.
The apartments and a terraced house were the first of the nine dwellings to comply after initial modifications were made.
Ms Brophy outlined the findings yesterday at a conference for architects and planners, organised by the Royal Institute of Architects in Ireland with the Department of the Environment and the Centre for Housing Research.
Minister for the Environment John Gormley told the conference that the Government was fully committed to ensuring that the 40 per cent target would be met. He said the regulations - known as Part L - would also affect some existing homes if boilers were being replaced. New boilers will have to have an energy efficiency of at least 86 per cent, compared with an average of 70-80 per cent in currently installed boilers.
The conference also heard about the need to start designing houses for a changing climate.
Bill Gething, of the Architects' Council of Europe, said summer overheating would have to be countered with measures such as large and secure ventilation openings, carefully orientated modest-sized windows and low-energy appliances.
Architect and broadcaster Duncan Stewart said the slowdown in the housing market gave an opportunity to developers to respond to climate change needs.
The Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
From July 1st, new dwellings seeking planning permission will have to achieve a 40 per cent reduction in energy consumption and a 40 per cent reduction in related CO2 emissions.
The UCD study, commissioned by the Department of the Environment, looked at nine different-sized detached, semi-detached and terraced houses and apartments, to see how they would comply with the 40 per cent reduction in energy consumption.
Vivienne Brophy, director of UCD energy group, said the bungalow was the only dwelling type which still did not comply with the proposed regulations after a number of modifications were made. Changes included improving insulation, glazing and boiler efficiency and switching to low-energy lighting.
The apartments and a terraced house were the first of the nine dwellings to comply after initial modifications were made.
Ms Brophy outlined the findings yesterday at a conference for architects and planners, organised by the Royal Institute of Architects in Ireland with the Department of the Environment and the Centre for Housing Research.
Minister for the Environment John Gormley told the conference that the Government was fully committed to ensuring that the 40 per cent target would be met. He said the regulations - known as Part L - would also affect some existing homes if boilers were being replaced. New boilers will have to have an energy efficiency of at least 86 per cent, compared with an average of 70-80 per cent in currently installed boilers.
The conference also heard about the need to start designing houses for a changing climate.
Bill Gething, of the Architects' Council of Europe, said summer overheating would have to be countered with measures such as large and secure ventilation openings, carefully orientated modest-sized windows and low-energy appliances.
Architect and broadcaster Duncan Stewart said the slowdown in the housing market gave an opportunity to developers to respond to climate change needs.
The Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
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