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Fossil fuel boilers effectively phased out in new dwellings

  • fossil fuel boilers installed in less than 5% of new dwellings in 2023
  • new EU regulations will ensure new buildings will be Zero Emissions Buildings (ZEB) from 2030

Electricity heating systems, the majority of which are heat pumps, were installed in 95% of new dwellings in the first three quarters of 2023, according to the latest data from the CSO. By comparison, fossil fuel boilers were installed in less than 5% of new dwellings in 2023 – down from 79% for the period from 2010 to 2014.

This rapid transition to low-carbon heating systems is a result of Nearly Zero Energy Building (NZEB) regulations introduced by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage in 2019. These regulations have effectively phased out fossil fuel boilers in new homes. The change will significantly improve air quality in the areas where these new homes are built relative to traditional developments, providing more comfortable and energy-efficient homes, while also helping to achieve carbon reduction targets committed to in the Climate Action Plan.

The data shows Ireland is well placed ahead of new EU plans to set more ambitious energy performance requirements for both new and renovated buildings throughout the European Union with member states required to develop plans to renovate their building stock.

EU Directive

The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (2010/31/EU) (EPBD) is the European Union's main legislative instrument aiming to promote the improvement of the energy performance of buildings within the European Union. On 7 December 2023, The Council and the Parliament reached provisional political agreement on a proposal to revise the directive with final agreement expected soon. The new measures aim to increase the rate of renovation, particularly for the worst-performing buildings in each Member State. The following are some of the main proposals:

  • phasing out of fossil fuel boilers by 2040
  • establish a national trajectory for the progressive renovation of the residential building stock
  • introduction of Minimum Energy Performance standards for the non-residential building sector
  • from 2030, new buildings will be Zero Emissions buildings (ZEB) where the very low amount of energy required is fully covered by renewable energy
  • introduction of additional requirements for electric vehicle recharging infrastructure
  • calculation of the life-cycle global warming potential of buildings
  • deployment of suitable solar energy installations

Ireland already has a number of strong initiatives in place as part of the Climate Action Plan to help achieve these objectives, including:

  • the introduction of Nearly Zero Energy Buildings in Part L of the Building Regulations in 2019. This means all new dwellings are now A2 rated with electrical heating systems which are mainly renewable heat pumps installed in 95% of new dwellings. Fossil fuel boilers have effectively been phased out in new dwellings
  • the implementation of the strong retrofit programmes, which saw targets exceeded this year, towards reaching the goal of 500,000 home retrofits by 2030
  • the installation of Electric Vehicle charging infrastructure in all new dwellings with their own car parking space

Quotes

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien said:

"This significant shift towards renewable heating systems in new homes shows that Ireland's ambitious building regulations under the Climate Action Plan are already working and they put us in a good place ahead of the proposed EU regulations that will be coming down the line. We welcome the recent outcome of the EU negotiations on this proposal and look forward to implementing these requirements in regulations over the coming months and years. Improving the energy efficiency of homes improves the health and comfort of those living in these homes and these regulations will enable us to build healthy, sustainable, and durable buildings suitable for the Irish climate both today and into the future."

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan said:

“The European Union’s proposal aligns with our ambition to retrofit 500,000 homes by 2030 and we will continue to work hard to ensure we achieve this. In 2023 we made over 42,000 homes warmer and more efficient, smashing our target of 37,000 for the year. This year we will go further with the help of Europe’s first low-cost loan for retrofitting and the big take-up of the generous grants. Making homes more energy efficient through retrofitting not only makes homes warmer and more comfortable, but can help households save money on bills and help to reach climate goals.”

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