While Ireland’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions represent only 1% of EU emissions, Ireland’s per capita emissions are the fifth highest in the world. Because we all have a carbon footprint . If we could all make our footprint more positive, together we could really do something.

Householders across the country waste millions of euro each year on heating poorly insulated homes. According to the National Climate Change Strategy our homes are responsible for just over 10% of national GHG emissions. Over one million or nearly two-thirds of Irish homes built before 1997 are poorly insulated and energy inefficient.

Starting this year all buildings (to be rented or sold) must now hold a building energy-rating certificate ( BER ), similar to that which is applied to household white goods.  Part L of the National Building Regulations has also been revised to make homes and buildings more energy efficient.

Sustainable Energy Ireland estimates that householders who bring their homes up to standard will save up to €500 in energy bills every year.