Energy

The residential sector has the second highest final energy demand of any sector in Ireland, second to transport. Not only that but Irish households have 58% more CO2 emissions than the average EU home. The residential sector accounts for a quarter of the energy used in the country. This is the 2nd highest energy user of all sectors - the transport sector uses the largest amount of energy (42%). However the majority of the energy used for transport is used by private cars (40%). (SEAI 2018 data - note this is the most current data available as of 2020).

Energy efficiency within the home is aimed at achieving the required level of comfort at least cost to the householder while minimising damage to the environment. Every time we switch on a light, cook a meal or turn up the thermostat we use energy.

Whilst the use of energy within the home is an essential part of daily life, an excessive amount of energy is wasted or lost within many or our homes dwellings because of:

• Lack of insulation (including insufficient or poorly installed insulation)
• Inefficient heating and hot water systems
• Poor ventilation (e.g. gaps around window / door frames)
• Poor efficiency of electrical appliances (eg. C or D rated applicances)
• Leaving items on in stand-by mode instead of turning them off (stand-by mode typically uses around 30% electricity)

Click on the links below, where you will find much information on energy, particularly on energy conservation in the home. Should you require any further information, please contact us.

• Energy Action Plan
• Benefits of an Energy Efficient Home
• Carbon Footprint
• Energy Use in Ireland
• How to make your home more energy efficient
• How to make your home more energy efficient - All Around the House
• How to make your home more energy efficient - Boilers
• How to make your home more energy efficient - Computers / IT
• How to make your home more energy efficient – In the Kitchen
• Tips for Saving Energy in the Kitchen

Energy in Ireland is moving in the right direction though...

• The contribution of renewables to energy use in Ireland was 11% in 2018 - the 2020 target is 16% which is unlikely to be met. Compared to other EU countries, Ireland had the second largest gap to the 2020 target in 2018.
• Renewable electricity accounted for two thirds (66%) of renewable energy used in 2018. (SEAI 2019).
• 82% of CO₂ emissions avoided from the use of renewable energy in 2018 were from renewable electricity. Wind generated electricity alone was responsible for 64% of all avoided CO₂ emissions, avoiding 3.1 Million tonnes of CO₂ (SEAI)