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Ireland

Current Codes

Ireland Technical Guidance Document, Part L
EU EPBD 2002/91/EC Mandatory
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
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Additional Code Information

Code Adoption & Change Process
Code Implementation Requirements: 

No set schedule, updated continuously.

History: 

As a member of the European Union, Ireland was required to comply with the Electronic Energy Perforomance of Buildings Directive passed in December 2002 (2002/91/EC).  Ireland did this by setting up the Dwelling Energy Assessment Procedure (DEAP), as part of the Technical Guidance Document (TGD).  This procedure set minimum energy requirements for all new buildings, and existing buildings under major rennovations.  It also required that for new buildings, the feasibilty of alternative energy methods must be assessed and considered before construction.  The DEAP also requires the use of building energy certificates.

Compliance Verification: 

All energy certificates are required to have a Building Energy Rating (BER).  BERs are to be administered by certified professionals.  The BER is to also contain suggestions for energy and cost efficiency.

Economic Indicators
Government Type: 

Republic, Parliamentary Democracy

Climate Zone: 

temperate maritime; modified by North Atlantic Current; mild winters, cool summers; consistently humid; overcast about half the time

Population: 

4,203,200 (July 2009 est.)

Unemployment Rate: 

6.1% (2008 est.)

Construction Activity: 

Total Private Households: 1,469,521
By Type:
          o Detached House: 625,988 (42.6%)
          o Semi-Detached House: 398,360 (27.11%)
          o Terraced House: 257,522 (17.52%)
          o Flat in Complex: 109,866 (7.48%)
          o Flat in Converted Building: 30,006 (2.04%)
          o Bed-Sit: 8,751 (0.58%)
          o Mobile Home: 7,225 (0.49%)
          o Unknown: 31,803 (2.16%)

GDP Per Capita: 

$45,300 (2008 est.)

Projected GDP Growth: 

-3% (2008 est.)

Industrial Production Growth: 

5% (2007 est.)

Primary Exports: 

machinery and equipment, computers, chemicals, pharmaceuticals; live animals, animal products

Primary Imports: 

data processing equipment, other machinery and equipment, chemicals, petroleum and petroleum products, textiles, clothing

Local Resources: 

natural gas, peat, copper, lead, zinc, silver, barite, gypsum, limestone, dolomite

Energy Data
Primary Energy Source: 

Natural Gas: 50% (2004)

Energy Consumption: 

0.7 Quadrillion BTU (2006)

Energy Snapshot: 

The rapidly increasing consumption of energy in Ireland, combined with the decreasing domestic production, has resulted in a significant increase in energy imports in recent years. Ireland exhibits a significant dependence on oil (nearly 60% of primary energy supply). The UK is the major source of oil and natural gas for Ireland. Gas has become the most important fuel for electricity generation in Ireland, gradually replacing coal and oil.

Source: 2007 Energy Mix Fact Sheet

Renewable Trends: 

The RES-E target for Ireland, set by the EU Directive to be met by 2010, is 13.2% of gross electricity consumption. The country itself would like to reach an RES-E share of 15% by that time. The European Energy Green Paper published in October 2006 sets targets over longer periods. In relation to Ireland, it calls for 30% RES-E by 2020. National biofuel targets have been set for 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008. These are 0.06%, 1.14%, 1.75% and 2.24%
respectively.

Ireland has a high penetration rate of hydro power in its RES-E market. In 2004, the amount of electricity generated in this way totalled 630 GWh, or 45% of the total RES-E. Wind power surpassed hydro power for the first time in 2004. The 655 GWh that was produced (mostly onshore), equals 47% of the total RES-E in 2004.

Source: 2007 EU Renewable Energy Fact Sheet

Climate Concerns
CO2 Emissions: 

46.86 MMT CO2 (2006)

Other Facts: 

CO2 emissions per capita are still above the EU-27 average, while energy intensity remains at low levels. The high dependence on oil and difficulties in meeting Kyoto emission reduction targets are important energy issues.

Source: 2007 Energy Mix Fact Sheet

Green Building Initiatives

National Environmental Milestones and Strategies:
National Energy Efficiency Action Plan, 2009

Building Sector Economic Incentives:
Low Carbon Homes Programme, 2008

Mandatory, Up-to-Date Building Energy Code:
Part L of the Technical Guidance Document, 2008
Part L of the Technical Guidance Document applies to all new and existing buildings in Ireland, and contains a comprehensive list of requirements.

Strengthening National Policies:
National Energy Efficiency Action Plan, 2009-2020
Ireland's National Energy Efficiency Action Plan sets goals for energy consumption and establishes programs and justifies codes to meet these goals.

Based on the current status of building energy codes and policies, as well as potential for energy efficiency, BCAP recommends the following actions.  Also noted are states or countries that successfully employ the suggested action, and may be used as a model.  These suggestions are meant only to show opportunities for energy efficiency.  Please contact BCAP for more information or assistance.

Establish a Code Change and Update Process
Ireland already has a current building energy code, as well as national programs in place to help support it.  The next step is to develop an update and change cycle to the Part L of the Technical Guidance Document.  This will systematically ensure that the code stays current and incorporates the most recent advancements in building science.

Model State:
Florida
Florida has a regulatory code update process, managed by the Florida Building Comission (FBC).  Every three years the FBC updates the code in accordance with state guidelines.

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