International research has shown that retrofit measures can alter radon levels depending on ventilation. Schedule 14 of the Radiological Protection Act 1991 (Ionising Radiation) Regulations 2019 (S.I. No. 30 of 2019) lists items to be considered in preparing the National Radon Control Strategy (NRCS). This matter has been identified as a knowledge gap under the NRCS and the EPA has funded two research projects to date to understand how radon levels in homes vary before and after energy upgrades in an Irish context:
• the UNVEIL Project aimed to understand ventilation and radon in energy-efficient buildings in Ireland and was published in 2019; and
• the INFORM Project aims to understand the impacts of energy-efficient retrofit measures on radon concentrations in the national housing stock and is expected to be completed in 2026.
My Department is developing Phase 3 of the NRCS which will include actions to ensure that the complexity of embedding radon in retrofit policy without creating unintended indoor air-quality problems is considered and addressed, if required.
In terms of the National Residential Retrofit Plan and upgrades funded under Government schemes administered by the SEAI, a home energy upgrade or retrofit enhances the energy performance of a home but must also meet all the requirements of the Building Regulations and applicable NSAI Standards. The provision of works in compliance with these standards will ensure healthy and safe buildings.
All of the SEAI approaches, including those regarding ventilation, are determined by the Building Regulations, incorporating NSAI S.R.54: 2014 - Code of Practice for the energy efficient retrofit of dwellings. This ensures that homes are only provided with measures suitable for their construction type and with the appropriate ventilation. This avoids problems, which can arise when works are not carried out to these standards.
In 2019, amendments to Part F of the Building Regulations were signed into law, which relate to ventilation. Further information regarding these amendments and the importance of ventilation can be found at the following links:
www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/publications/home-ventilation/
www.seai.ie/plan-your-energy-journey/for-your-home/guide-to-upgrades/ventilation-systems
