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Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 May 2022

Tuesday, 10 May 2022

Questions (188, 189)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

188. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which the use of concrete in house building contributes to any emissions whether during construction, processing or thereafter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22861/22]

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Bernard Durkan

Question:

189. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which conventional house-building through the use of concrete or concrete products contributes to greenhouse gases as opposed to wooden framed housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22863/22]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 188 and 189 together.  188 and 189  together.

The population of Ireland is forecast to reach 5.7milliion by 2040.  As the population grows, so does the demand for services and infrastructure such as housing, public transport and schools. The Government has set out how it intends to provide the required infrastructure investments through policies such as the National Development Plan, the National Planning Framework and Housing for All.   

The 2021 Climate Action Plan (CAP 2021) recognises the contribution of construction activity to Ireland's greenhouse gas emissions and commits to working with stakeholders to increase the use of low carbon materials and technologies in the construction and renovation of buildings in Ireland, informed by evolving EU standards and by best practice in other jurisdictions.

CAP 2021 includes actions to support the decarbonisation of Ireland's construction activity and promote the introduction of alternative, low carbon methods of construction. Recent experience with defective materials in new home construction underlines the need to take a robust performance-based approach to the adoption of low-carbon materials. Alternative materials must meet the requirements of all parts of the building regulations, including requirements relating to durability, fire safety, structure, and resistance to moisture. CAP 2021, therefore, proposes an approach based on environmental certification, and a framework for calculating the embodied carbon of a building.

The proposed revision to the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, as part of the EU 'Fit for 55' legislative package, will introduce new requirements in relation to zero-emissions buildings, minimum energy performance standards for existing buildings, and declarations of global warming potential for new buildings. New product requirements will ensure that the design and manufacture of construction products is based on state-of-the-art technology to make these more durable, repairable, recyclable, and easier to re-purpose.  These proposals align with the commitments in CAP 2021.

EPA data indicates that greenhouse gas emissions from the built environment accounted for 13.9% of total national greenhouse emissions in 2020. However, this only represents the direct emissions associated with heating and cooling of residential and commercial buildings. Analysis published by the Irish Green Building Council on 6 May, in its draft 'Net Zero Whole Life Carbon Roadmap for the Built Environment in Ireland,' indicates that the total lifecycle emissions, including emissions associated with the construction, operation and demolition of Ireland’s construction and built environment sectors, may account for up to 37% of Ireland’s greenhouse emissions, equalling the agriculture sector in terms of its overall contribution.

Question No. 189 answered with Question No. 188.
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