S3, E5 Dr Ciaran Byrne, Director, S.E.A.I. on Ireland’s Retrofitting Success Stories, Challenges & Opportunities

Retrofitting in Ireland Backstory

Ireland has made significant strides in retrofitting its building stock, aligning with its ambitious climate action goals. The country’s retrofit initiatives are crucial for reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions from the residential sector, which is a major contributor to overall emissions.

National Goals and Targets

Under the Climate Action Plan 2021, Ireland aims to retrofit 500,000 homes to a minimum Building Energy Rating (BER) of B2 by 2030. Additionally, it plans to install 400,000 heat pumps in existing buildings as part of its broader strategy to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 51% by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050​ (Retrofit press release)​​ (EUCIEA)​.

Funding and Support

The Irish government has committed substantial resources to support these retrofitting efforts. Key funding initiatives include:

• National Retrofitting Scheme: This provides substantial grants covering up to 80% of the cost for certain upgrades like attic and cavity wall insulation. These measures are designed to be cost-effective and widely accessible​ (National Retrofit Strategy)​.
• Community Energy Grant Scheme: Focuses on improving the energy efficiency of public, commercial, and community buildings. This scheme helps not only individual homeowners but also entire communities, particularly in energy-poor areas​ (EUCIEA)​.
• Local Authority Energy Efficiency Retrofit Programme: With significant funding, this program targets local authority-owned homes to achieve high energy efficiency standards​

Progress and Challenges

As of recent reports, over 27,000 homes were retrofitted in 2022 alone, with a significant number upgraded to BER B2 standards. This includes focused efforts on improving homes in remote and energy-poor regions through initiatives like the LIFE LEAP program, which supports homeowners in Donegal, Sligo, and Leitrim​ (EUCIEA)​​ (Sustainable Energy Authority Of Ireland)​.

Despite these advancements, challenges remain. The high costs and complexity of retrofitting can be a barrier for many homeowners, particularly those in middle-income brackets who may not qualify for extensive grants but still find the upfront costs prohibitive​ (Sustainable Energy Authority Of Ireland)​. The government continues to address these challenges by refining grant schemes and supporting community-based approaches to make retrofitting more accessible and affordable.

Future Outlook

Looking ahead, Ireland’s retrofit strategy will continue to evolve with a focus on expanding support mechanisms, enhancing supply chain capabilities, and increasing public awareness and engagement. The government’s long-term commitment includes a robust budget allocation that is expected to stimulate the economy by creating jobs and supporting a sustainable transition to a low-carbon society​​.

In summary, while Ireland’s retrofitting program is ambitious and progressing well, ongoing efforts are needed to ensure broader accessibility and to meet the country’s climate targets effectively.