Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 April 2022
168. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the shortfall, and the measures that are proposed to make up the shortfall, in emissions reductions from buildings, given that the retrofit schemes will only go part of the way to meeting the 2030 emissions target. [17669/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 2021 Climate Action Plan (CAP21) sets out a range of emissions reductions for each sector that together will contribute towards achieving the 2030 greenhouse gas emissions reduction target set out in the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act, 2021. The range of emissions reductions for the built environment published in CAP21 is 44% - 56% relative to 2018 levels and includes direct emissions associated with buildings in the residential, commercial and public sectors.
The National Residential Retrofit Plan is just one of many measures contained in CAP21 aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the built environment. Other measures announced as part of CAP21 include strengthening the building regulations, supporting the roll-out of district heating, the development of low carbon construction materials and technologies, and an ambitious public sector decarbonisation programme. These measures, in conjunction with the National Residential Retrofit Plan, will contribute towards the achievement of the targeted range of emissions reductions in the built environment.
In October 2021 the Climate Change Advisory Council published the first proposed carbon budget programme. This programme has since been approved by Government and has been laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas for approval. The programme is due to be discussed in both Houses in early April. When approved by both Houses of the Oireachtas, my Department will prepare proposed sectoral emissions ceilings, including a sectoral emissions ceiling for the built environment, for Government consideration and approval. I intend that the next iteration of the Climate Action Plan will, in turn, be informed by these agreed sectoral emissions ceilings.
