Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 May 2024
114. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the estimated cost to increase the capital funding for the better energy warmer homes scheme by 50%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23867/24]
View answer115. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the average cost of achieving a B2 BER cost optimum standard in the better energy warmer homes scheme to date in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23868/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 114 and 115 together.
The Warmer Homes Scheme delivers a range of energy efficiency measures free of charge to low-income households vulnerable to energy poverty.
There are a number of home energy improvements offered as part of the scheme. The upgrades that will be recommended for a property will depend on many factors, including age, size, type and condition of the property. For each eligible home, SEAI’s technical surveyor will determine which upgrades can be installed and funded.
Last year in 2023, almost 5,900 homes were upgraded under the Scheme with an average spend of €24,000 per home and €157 million in total expenditure. From within the Budget 2024 funding package my Department was allocated, a record allocation of almost €210 million is in place for the scheme. An increase of 50% on this would amount to €315m total.
The Building Regulations require that when 25% or more of a building's envelope surface is renovated (such as when wall insulation is installed), the whole building's energy performance must be upgraded to the cost-optimal level. This is as far as it is technically, functionally and economically possible.
A cost-optimal study is required under the European Performance of Buildings Directive to define the energy performance required for new buildings and major renovations. The study accounts for the capital, operational, maintenance and carbon costs of various energy efficient solutions and renewable technologies. Ireland’s most recent cost-optimal study as defined the cost-optimal level for major renovations as either:
• a B2 BER; or
• an upgrade of the ceiling insulation and heating system.
Under the Warmer Homes scheme, to comply with Building Regulations, where a major renovation is taking place the whole home must be upgraded to cost-optimal level through one of the options above. The table below sets out the average costs in relation to cost-optimal and B2 or better upgrades under the scheme in 2024.
|
Upgrade Type |
Average cost excluding VAT |
|
Major renovation to cost-optimal, B2 or better post-works BER |
€42,327 |
|
Major renovation to cost-optimal, post-works BER below B2 |
€38,387 |
|
Any upgrade work, B2 or better post-works BER |
€29,337 |
