Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 March 2022
232. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if consideration has been given to updating the dwelling energy assessment procedure modelling software to reflect the efficiencies of group heating schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13004/22]
View answerThe Dwelling Energy Assessment Procedure (DEAP) is the National Calculation Methodology for compliance with the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) and Part L of the Building Regulations. DEAP is in accordance with Annex I of the EPBD and relevant European (EN) standards
Appendix C of DEAP provides the calculation methodology for Group (Community) heating/District heating schemes.
Action 189 of the Climate Action Plan identifies that my Department and the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) will review the Primary Energy Factor for district heating systems. This will include a review of the methodology for calculating the efficiency of such systems.
DECC with the support of my Department are currently working to ensure an expansion of district heating that makes use of renewable and waste heat, in order to assist decarbonisation of the built environment. The District Heating Steering Group, established and chaired by DECC , is working to address the various barriers to rollout of district heating to ensure that the benefits of this technology for both the environment and for the consumer are realised.
