Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 September 2024
65. 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 in 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36262/24]
View answer66. 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 community grant scheme in 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36263/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 65 and 66 together.
My Department funds a number of grant schemes to support homeowners to improve the energy efficiency of their existing properties. The schemes offer grants for individuals who can afford to contribute to the cost of upgrades as well as free energy upgrades for people at risk of energy poverty. Improving these homes has resulted in warmer, healthier and more comfortable homes that are easier and cheaper to heat and light.
The Building Regulations require that when 25% or more of a building's envelope surface is renovated (such as when wall insulation is installed, including under an energy upgraded supported by SEAI), 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 has defined the cost-optimal level for major renovations as either:
• a B2 BER; or
• an upgrade of the ceiling insulation and heating system.
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 Warmer Homes scheme in 2024. Data in relation to 2022 and 2023 is not readily available, I have asked SEAI to forward this data to the Deputy, if available, by way of direct reply.
|
Warmer Homes Scheme - 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 |
The Communities Energy Grant scheme supports cross-sectoral and community-oriented partnership approaches that deliver energy savings to a range of building types including public, commercial and community buildings with a particular focus on using the projects to deliver home retrofits.
To be eligible for funding under the Community Energy grant scheme all homes are required to meet minimum final BER of B2 as well as achieving a minimum BER uplift of 100kWh/m2/year.
The table below from SEAI shows the average cost to achieve a B2 BER under the Community Energy Grant scheme in years 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024.
|
SEAI Community Energy Grants |
Average Costs for B2s including VAT |
|
2022 |
€ 32,814 |
|
2023 |
€ 60,809 |
|
2024 |
€ 56,478 |
It should be noted that under the Community Energy Grant scheme the works costs are based on declarations from the homeowners and contractors. The costs can vary depending on a range of factors. Additionally, homeowners may carry out non-grant aided/non energy related works as part of the same upgrade. Therefore, the costs set out above may be in excess of the costs relating to the retrofit works only. The amounts paid out per grant-aided measure by SEAI are fixed irrespective of the costs declared.
