Reports, articles, and podcasts on the built environment, sustainability and biodiversity
1/20/2025
Retrofitting in Ireland in 2025 and beyond is a combination of up-to-date facts about the topic along with some audio clips taken from a podcast episode that features Dr. Ciaran Byrne, the Director of National Retrofit at the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). You can also hear the full retrofit podcast episode towards the end of this page.
The original interview about this topic was recorded in 2024, but there is a new interview that you can access below from 2025: Ireland’s Retrofit Race with Dr. Ciarán Byrne (SEAI)
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Unless Ireland learns fast and acts boldly, its retrofit ambitions risk freezing before they fully take off.
The summary analysis by the author of the article, UCC Research Fellow, Michelle McKeown, blames ..
“High costs, a shortage of skilled workers, the exclusion of renters and muddled messaging reveal cracks in the system”.
The Irish government plans to make it easier for homeowners to improve their homes by 20251. This is about making homes more energy-efficient and sustainable. They want to help by offering grants and financial support for retrofitting in Ireland. This effort aims to upgrade more homes to be more energy-efficient. They hope to do this by helping low-income families the most1.
2024 marked a record year of progress for SEAI (Sustainble Energy Authority of Ireland), with almost €616 million invested in projects across homes, communities, businesses, and public sector organisations. This reflects a 13% increase on 2023 activity. This looks very promising for retrofitting in Ireland.
The new government’s 2025 Programme for Government adds momentum to Ireland’s retrofit agenda—boosting financing, emphasising equity, promoting community retrofit projects, and investing in upgraded skills capacity.
However, the scale of ambition—averaging over 63,000 homes retrofitted per year—represents a dramatic leap from current performance, and hinges heavily on overcoming financial, logistical, and workforce challenges.
| Area | Commitments / Progress | Challenges / Gaps |
|---|---|---|
| Retrofit homes (B2 BER) | 55,893 completed; ~63,444/yr needed after 2025 | Completion rate far behind target |
| Finance | €500M retrofit loan programme, revised grants | Complexity; exposure to upfront cost burden |
| Equity & inclusion | Focus on lower-income households & social housing | Effective outreach needed |
| Community approach | Supervised group retrofits, local engagement | Scaling such models nationally is untested |
| Renewable heating | Heat pump incentives; transitional biofuels | Feasibility in poorly insulated homes |
| Workforce & skills | New retrofit training centres and schemes | Industry scaling lags demand |
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZJvPBk_Muc
Dr. Ciaran Byrne, the Director of National Retrofit at the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), has been at the forefront of these efforts. Speaking on the Constructive Voices podcast, Dr. Byrne highlighted the critical role of retrofitting in Ireland’s climate action goals, stating:
“Right now, I’m the Director of National Retrofit in Ireland’s energy agency. Many European countries, and indeed many countries worldwide, have a national energy agency focusing on the transition toward sustainable energy use. In Ireland, it’s SEAI… My little piece of the pie is about retrofitting domestic properties—getting homeowners across Ireland to retrofit their homes, making them more energy efficient and ultimately reducing carbon emissions.”
The Irish government is pushing for eco-friendly renovations and home insulation in Dublin with government grants for retrofitting3. In Q1 2024, nearly 12,000 homes got energy upgrades, up 18% from last year3. They aim to retrofit a third of homes by 20304.
Thanks to the government, over 5,050 homes now have a BER B2 rating or better, a 53% jump3. Almost 1,200 energy-poor homes got free upgrades, and over 15,450 applications were processed3. The SEAI reports a rise in Solar PV retrofit scheme applications, with over 21,000 by the end of Q3 20243.
The following table summarizes the key statistics on retrofitting in Ireland:
| Category | Q1 2024 | Year-on-Year Change |
|---|---|---|
| Home Energy Upgrades | 12,000 | 18% |
| BER B2 Rated Homes | 5,050 | 53% |
| Energy-Poor Homes Upgraded | 1,200 | – |
In Ireland, the SEAI certifies home energy ratings through the Building Energy Rating (BER) system. This system rates homes from A1 to G5. It helps homeowners understand their home’s energy use and how to improve it. Using energy-efficient heating, like condensing boilers or heat pumps, can boost a home’s BER rating5.
Improving a home’s BER rating is crucial. Passive house retrofits help by reducing heat loss through walls, attics, and windows5. A home loses 20-30% of its heat through walls and up to 30% more through a poorly insulated attic5. By choosing energy-efficient heating and passive house retrofits, homeowners can cut energy use and increase their property’s value.
The cost of making a home more energy-efficient varies. It depends on the home’s age and size, with costs from €25,000 to €75,000 or more6. But, SEAI grants can help lower these costs6. By understanding the value of home energy ratings and investing in efficient heating and retrofits, homeowners can make their homes more sustainable and comfortable.
Retrofitting is not only crucial to combat climate change but it can also benefit your health.
The Irish government has launched several initiatives to help homeowners retrofit their homes. This makes it easier and cheaper to do. They offer grants to help upgrade homes to be more energy-efficient. The government plans to improve these grants, including the €500 million Low Interest Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme.
There are key grants like the Home Energy Upgrade Grant and the Warmer Homes Scheme. The Home Energy Upgrade Grant can cover up to 50% of the cost of a deep retrofit. The Warmer Homes Scheme gives free upgrades to low-income families7. The government has also increased grants for heat pumps and external wall insulation, encouraging homeowners to make their homes more energy-efficient8.
Applying for these grants is easy. Homeowners can do it through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) website. To qualify, homeowners need to meet income and energy standards. The government aims to upgrade 500,000 homes to B2 BER standard by 2030. This means about 75,000 upgrades per year from 2026 to 20308.
The following table summarizes the key government grants for retrofitting in Ireland:
| Grant Scheme | Grant Amount | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Home Energy Upgrade Grant | Up to 50% of the cost of a typical deep retrofit | Homeowners must meet certain income and energy efficiency standards |
| Warmer Homes Scheme | Free energy upgrades | Low-income households |
Home retrofitting includes key elements like sustainable improvements and eco-friendly renovations. These help cut down energy use and emissions. In Ireland, homes use 25% of all energy and cause 29% of emissions9.
Important parts of retrofitting are better insulation, energy-saving windows, and modern heating. These steps lower energy needs and bills. For instance, homes meeting EnerPHit standards use up to 75% less heat10. Ireland is also seeing more buildings meet Passivhaus standards, showing a shift towards energy-efficient homes10.
Adding renewable energy systems, like solar PV, is also crucial. They cut down on fossil fuel use and emissions. Studies show homes upgraded to high energy standards can sell for €10,000 more, thanks to energy savings11.
Home retrofitting offers many benefits:
Home retrofitting is vital for a greener, more energy-efficient home. It lets homeowners use less energy, cut emissions, and make their homes healthier and more comfortable.
| Component | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Insulation upgrades | Reduced energy demand |
| Energy-efficient windows | Lower energy bills |
| Advanced heating systems | Improved comfort and health |
When thinking about making your home more energy efficient, like adding insulation in Dublin, knowing the costs is key. The price to retrofit can change a lot. But, you might save a lot on your energy bills in the long run12. The cost can range from €25,000 for newer homes to over €75,000 for older, bigger ones12.
Here’s a rough guide to what you might pay for different types of homes:
These figures come from the SEAI’s cost analysis for the first 300 private homes13.
There are government loans up to €75,000 with low interest rates starting at 3.55%12. Plus, there are grants and other help to make these upgrades more affordable for homeowners.
By investing in energy-saving upgrades, like insulation in Dublin, you can cut your energy bills. It’s also good for the planet. It’s important to plan and budget well for these upgrades, looking at all costs and savings13.
| Type of Home | Average Cost | Potential Savings |
|---|---|---|
| Semi-detached/end of terrace | €30,000 – €50,000 | €500 – €1,000 per year |
| Mid terrace | €25,000 – €40,000 | €400 – €800 per year |
| Detached | €40,000 – €70,000 | €800 – €1,500 per year |
| Apartment | €20,000 – €35,000 | €300 – €600 per year |
Understanding the costs and savings of energy upgrades helps homeowners make smart choices. This way, they can make their homes more sustainable for themselves and their community.
In Ireland, especially in Cork, homeowners are choosing energy-saving heating systems. These choices help cut down on energy use and lower bills14. Systems like solar PV and heat pumps are key, thanks to government grants and schemes14. For example, the SEAI offers up to €1,800 for solar PV and up to €6,500 for heat pumps14.
The Superhomes2030 project is a big push to retrofit 35,000 homes by 203015. It’s made great strides, boosting the retrofit rate from 100 to over 500 homes yearly by 202315. The number of contractors has doubled to 80, and over 200 professionals have been trained15.
Some top retrofitting options for Irish homes are:
These solutions help homeowners save energy and money. They also support a greener future14.
Choosing the right contractors and assessors is key for a successful retrofitting project in Ireland. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) suggests picking those who are certified and have experience in retrofitting. This ensures the work is of high quality16. It’s especially important for making homes more energy-efficient and better performing.
The SEAI has a certification process for contractors. They need to show they have the right qualifications, like a Building Energy Rating (BER) assessor qualification, to become SEAI Registered Contractors16. The National Home Retrofit Scheme in Ireland also aims to improve homes’ Building Energy Rating (BER) to at least a B2 level17.
When picking a contractor, consider these factors:
Choosing a qualified contractor means your retrofitting project will be done well. This gives homeowners peace of mind and a successful experience16. Also, grants often cover about 80% of the costs for home energy upgrades. This helps reduce the financial burden on homeowners17.
| Factor | Importance |
|---|---|
| Certification and experience | High |
| Qualifications | High |
| Clear communication and professional conduct | High |
Retrofitting homes can greatly cut down on carbon emissions. This helps meet national climate goals and gets government support for green home upgrades18. Homeowners can use eco-friendly changes to use less energy and emit fewer greenhouse gases. For example, using air and windtight membranes can cut heat loss by up to 60%19.
Some key advantages of retrofitting include:
Homeowners can achieve these benefits through various green upgrades. This includes putting in energy-saving windows, better heating systems, and adding insulation. Government grants can also help cover the costs of these improvements, making them more affordable18.
Ireland plans to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 42% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels18. To reach this target, the government offers grants for green home upgrades. These grants help homeowners use less energy and reduce their carbon footprint. By using these grants and making eco-friendly changes, homeowners can help create a greener future and lessen their environmental impact19.
Across Ireland, many retrofitting projects have shown great success. These include changes to homes in Dublin, upgrades in rural areas, and work on historic buildings. For example, a heating upgrade at Smith’s Funeral Directors in Granard saved about 5,717 kWh of energy each year. This is roughly €1,14320.
Grants for retrofitting can cover 50% to 80% of costs in Ireland21. This has led to more services for homes built after 1940s, growing from 2 to over 20 between 2021 and 202221. Also, grants covering 100% of costs are available to help those struggling with fuel poverty, making retrofitting more affordable for many.
Home insulation in Dublin has greatly reduced energy use and bills. In Cork, retrofitted homes show the success of passive house retrofits in saving energy. These examples show how retrofitting helps Ireland meet its climate goals and cut greenhouse gas emissions.
The success of these projects shows the potential for energy savings and sustainable homes across Ireland. With financial support and community involvement, the government can encourage more homeowners to retrofit. This will help create a more sustainable and energy-efficient future.
The future of home retrofitting in Ireland is bright, thanks to government support and growing demand for22 energy efficiency upgrades. Ireland aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 51% by 2030. This goal includes retrofitting 500,000 buildings, a big step towards making homes more sustainable.
The Retrofit Scheme Ireland offers financial help and23 grants to make retrofitting easier for homeowners. The LIFE LEAP project is working with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. It helps homeowners and suppliers in certain areas with their retrofitting projects.
Building 355,000 new homes to high energy standards is underway. Over 1.5 million buildings will need retrofitting by 2050. This makes home retrofitting crucial for Ireland’s climate goals and improving home energy efficiency.
Retrofitting in Ireland is booming, with more people applying for government schemes. The Irish government is pushing for eco-friendly home upgrades. This is especially true in Dublin, to meet climate change goals.
The SEAI’s BER system rates homes for energy use. It shows how to make homes more efficient. This includes using better heating and making homes more like passive houses.
The Irish government has grants and schemes to help with home upgrades. The Low Interest Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme is one example. It’s designed to be easy to apply for and meet certain criteria.
Retrofitting includes many upgrades, from insulation to solar panels. These changes make homes more energy-efficient and green.
Planning a retrofit involves looking at costs and how to pay for it. This includes government grants and low-interest loans. It helps homeowners make smart financial choices.
In Ireland, popular upgrades include energy-efficient heating and solar panels. These are chosen for their efficiency and green benefits.
It’s important to pick qualified contractors and assessors. Look for those who are certified and have experience in retrofitting. This ensures a good quality job.
Upgrading homes can greatly reduce carbon emissions. This helps Ireland meet its climate goals. Government support makes these upgrades more appealing.
Ireland has many successful retrofitting projects. These range from modern homes in Dublin to old buildings in rural areas. They show how homes can be made more energy-efficient and sustainable.
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