Written Answers. - Energy Conservation Studies.
Jim Mitchell
Question:
148
Mr. J. Mitchell
asked the
Minister for Energy
if he will outline any studies undertaken by his Department or known to his Department, on energy conservation in homes; if reports have been published; if not, when they will be published; the steps being taken or proposed to be taken by his Department to establish energy conservation in homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The following are studies which have been undertaken by the IIRS (Institute for Industrial Research and Standards) EOLAS, on behalf of my Department, on energy conservation in the home:
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1978-79
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IIRS study entitled “Energy Conservation Options in Housing”. Published in three parts, plus guideline brochure for dissemination to public.
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1981
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IIRS/AFF (An Foras Forbartha) study on thermal insulation standards for buildings. Not published.
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1989
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EOLAS study, to provide statistics on household energy use for the Statistical Office of the European Communities. Not published.
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1990-91
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EOLAS has undertaken an investigation of the efficiency of refrigeration appliances. This study has not been published.
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The following are other studies on energy conservation in the home:
—An Foras Forbartha (now the Environmental Research Unit) carried out experimental measurements of comfort conditions and heating system efficiencies in typical households. A number of reports were published from 1975-88.
—The ESRI has carried out analyses of patterns of, and factors affecting, energy use in households e.g. domestic electricity demand. Report recently published.
—The Environmental Research Unit, on behalf of the Department of the Environment, has recently conducted a review of thermal performance standards for buildings, including housing, in the context of the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Not published.
—The IIRS, on behalf of the Construction Industry Federation, produced guidebooks in the early 1980s for house builders on how to meet new thermal insulation regulations.
Measures by my Department to establish energy conservation in the home include the following:
(a) On behalf of my Department, the IIRS/EOLAS has for over a decade provided a free telephone advisory service for domestic energy consumers.
(b) An advertisement was placed by my Department in the national press in early 1991, with advice to the public on energy conservation measures in the home.
(c) In 1990 my Department established a Group on Electricity End-Use Efficiency, following an EC Decision in this area. The ESB are represented on the Group. The ESB's Action Programme for 1991 includes training of ESB staff on energy efficiency, a major media campaign promoting the use of compact fluorescent lights and lagging jackets, an attic insulation service, and a mailshot to all domestic consumers about areas where customers can act to improve efficiency. The ESB will also be involved in various exhibitions promoting energy efficiency.
(d) Since 1988 my Department have grant-aided on an annual basis the charitable group "Energy Action", who are involved in draught-proofing the houses of the needy and elderly.
(e) EOLAS Regional Energy Officers are available to advise industry or members of the public on energy efficiency. This year they will be undertaking a series of talks to residents associations etc. on the subject.
