Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 September 2004
64 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to ensure that Ireland complies with European directives to increase insulation standards in buildings; and if his attention has been drawn to the fact that house prices are likely to be affected in the future according to their performance in terms of energy efficiency. [22635/04]
View answerThe Energy Performance of Buildings Directive 2002/91/EC was adopted on 16 December 2002. Member states must legally transpose the directive by 4 January 2006. However, the directive provides for a longer period, up to 4 January 2009, for implementing provisions regarding the energy performance certification of newly constructed buildings and existing buildings, when these are let or sold; improvement of the energy efficiency of larger boilers; and inspection of air conditioning systems A working group has been established to oversee and plan the implementation of this directive in Ireland. The working group comprises senior officials from my Department, the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources and Sustainable Energy Ireland.
The energy performance of buildings directive requires that national energy performance standards must be based on a framework methodology laid down in the directive but does not mandate specific thermal performance or insulation standards. However, it is anticipated that where a building is sold or let with a certificate incorporating a low energy performance rating, this may adversely affect the marketability of the property, depending on overall market conditions.
Part L of the national building regulations deals with the conservation of fuel and energy. To assist in meeting obligation under the Kyoto Protocol, Part L and the related Technical Guidance Document L were amended in June 2002. The amended Part L regime sets significantly higher insulation and thermal performance standards for new dwellings, with effect from 1 January 2003. The regulations also apply to the replacement of external doors, windows and rooflights — roof windows — in existing dwellings, with effect from 1 July 2003.
My Department has also recently published — 21 July 2004 — a consultation document on further proposed amendments to Part L and Technical Guidance Document L for higher thermal performance and insulation standards for non-residential buildings, including factories, offices and shops, with a view to amending the regulations by the end of the year.
