Climate Action – what you can do at home
From Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications
Published on
Last updated on
Every day in our homes, we consume energy and natural resources while emitting waste and CO2 emissions. In 2017, electricity was responsible for 19.3% of greenhouse gases in Ireland while our built environment provided another 12.7%. Our homes are dependent on high carbon fuels like coal and peat, and the demand on our energy supply is going to increase significantly over the coming years.
It is vital that we move towards decarbonisation in our homes and built environment, while protecting low income households. The Climate Action Plan sets out a range of policy measures; there are also a number of things that householders can do to support these actions.
The energy we consume in our homes comes from a variety of sources but our dependence on fossil fuels contributes considerably to our CO2 emissions.
As the government develops further supports for cleaner renewable technologies, we can all play our part in reducing our energy use while saving on household costs and contributing to a low carbon transition.
You can make the most of your heating and keep your home comfortable by using the systems and controls effectively to minimise waste and maximise comfort for you and your family.
Heating water unnecessarily is a common way households lose energy. Use your system wisely by thinking about when the hot water is used most frequently and only heating the amount that is needed by adjusting the timer settings.
Our homes are full of modern technology and useful machines that all consume energy. There are lots of ways we can use them cleverly and efficiently to make sure we aren’t wasting any energy.
A large portion of energy consumption in Ireland goes on lighting so we can reduce that by making the most of natural light and being smarter with our artificial lights.
Ovens, hobs and microwaves are a big factor in our domestic energy consumption. We can make a big impact and reduce our energy usage by being mindful of how we go about cooking.
A Building Energy Rating Certificate (BER) indicates your building’s energy performance. The BER is calculated using the energy required to heat your home and water and takes into consideration the ventilation and lighting.
The BER certificate also contains an advisory report which identifies potential energy performance improvements that could lead to better comfort levels, reduced energy use and cost.
Since 2011 Ireland achieved a reduction in emissions from our built environment of 10% but more can be still be done and the government is committed to reaching a further reduction in emissions from buildings of 30-35% by 2030. In order to achieve this ambitious target, citizens will be supported to make changes through the expansion of grants, supports and other schemes.
The current Home Energy Grants available give fixed cash returns on insulation and heating system upgrades, helping to make your home more comfortable and cheaper to run. You could be entitled to one of the grants listed below to improve your home’s energy efficiency and reduce its emissions.
If you receive any of the welfare payments listed below and your home qualifies for any of the grants listed above, you may be eligible for a free home energy upgrade.
Other home improvement schemes available include the Warmth and Wellbeing Scheme which provides free upgrades to those living with chronic respiratory conditions.
Water is one of Ireland’s most valuable resources, essential for healthy living and sanitation. Across the world the risk to water supplies from climate change and global warming is increasing and Ireland is no exception.
Reports have projected that extreme weather events pose the greatest and most immediate risk to Ireland. Flooding, drought, storms and intense precipitation are increasing year on year and each of these can cause damage, pollution and intense strain on our national water supply.
We need to conserve and protect this resource to prepare for the impact future weather events are going to cause. While the government invests in adaptation measures to help build resilience, we can make changes in our homes to help reduce the strain on the water supply.
1.6 billion litres of drinking water are produced every day in Ireland and almost half of it gets lost through leaks in the pipe network and in homes. Irish Water monitors the system but you can also take action in your home or business to reduce water wastage and improve water pressure.
If you are still concerned and you have an Irish Water meter installed, you can easily check the usage in your house. Turn off the water using the inside stop valve and check the meter reading. Leave the water off for one hour and then check the meter again. If there is a discrepancy in the figures then it is likely you have a leak. Irish Water’s First Free Fix Scheme provides free leak investigation and repairs on customers’ external supply pipes.
When temperatures drop below zero, dripping taps and unprotected pipes can freeze or crack, significantly risking the supply of water to your home. Prepare for extreme weather in advance.
A big part of water conservation is changing our attitude and our behaviours relating to water and its use in our homes. Water is not an infinite resource so we have to play our part around the home to make sure we aren’t wasting it.
In the Kitchen
In the Bathroom
In the Garden
You can learn more about energy efficiency at home at the following websites: