Big home heating switch underway in green change

Electricity heating systems, the majority of which are heat pumps, were installed in 95% of new dwellings in the first three quarters of 2023, according to the latest data from the CSO.

 By comparison, fossil fuel boilers were installed in less than 5% of new dwellings in 2023 – down from 79% for the period from 2010 to 2014. 

The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage says this rapid transition to low-carbon heating systems is a result of Nearly Zero Energy Building (NZEB) regulations introduced in 2019.

It also said the change will significantly improve air quality in the areas where these new homes are built relative to traditional developments, providing more comfortable and energy-efficient homes, while also helping to achieve carbon reduction targets committed to in the Climate Action Plan.

The Department said the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive will also have an impact in causing more change. It said this is the European Union's main legislative instrument aiming to promote the improvement of the energy performance of buildings in Ireland and other EU countries.

 It said this was revised in late 2023 which will mean new measures to increase the rate of renovation, particularly for the worst-performing buildings. It said  the following are some of the main proposals:

- Phasing out of fossil fuel boilers by 2040;

- Establish a national trajectory for the progressive renovation of the residential building stock;

Introduction of Minimum Energy Performance standards for the non-residential building sector;

- From 2030, new buildings will be Zero Emissions buildings (ZEB) where the very low amount of energy required is fully covered by renewable energy;

- Introduction of additional requirements for electric vehicle recharging infrastructure;

- Calculation of the life-cycle global warming potential of buildings;

- Deployment of suitable solar energy installations.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD said:

"This significant shift towards renewable heating systems in new homes shows that Ireland's ambitious building regulations under the Climate Action Plan are already working and they put us in a good place ahead of the proposed EU regulations that will be coming down the line. We welcome the recent outcome of the EU negotiations on this proposal and look forward to implementing these requirements in regulations over the coming months and years. Improving the energy efficiency of homes improves the health and comfort of those living in these homes and these regulations will enable us to build healthy, sustainable, and durable buildings suitable for the Irish climate both today and into the future."

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan TD said:

“The European Union’s proposal aligns with our ambition to retrofit 500,000 homes by 2030 and we will continue to work hard to ensure we achieve this. In 2023 we made over 42,000 homes warmer and more efficient, smashing our target of 37,000 for the year. This year we will go further with the help of Europe’s first low-cost loan for retrofitting and the big take-up of the generous grants. Making homes more energy efficient through retrofitting not only makes homes warmer and more comfortable, but can help households save money on bills and help to reach climate goals.”