Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 June 2023
304. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will introduce regulations to take account of homes which are sold as so-called passive homes; if any new regulations can deal with the requirement for habitable temperatures all-year-round; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31826/23]
View answerThe Building Regulations set out minimum standards for the design and construction of buildings and works to ensure the health and safety of people in and around buildings. Ireland implemented Nearly Zero Energy Building (NZEB) for dwellings in 2019. NZEB means a building that has a very high energy performance. The nearly zero or very low amount of energy required should be covered to a very significant extent by energy from renewable sources, including energy from renewable sources produced on-site or nearby.
These regulations significantly reduce carbon emissions, lessen dependence on fossil fuels and lower energy costs for occupants. They also create healthier indoor environments by prioritising proper ventilation, reducing pollutants and enhancing overall comfort and well-being. Part F (Ventilation) 2019 of the building regulations requires adequate ventilation in all new homes and recently requires mechanical ventilation in most new dwellings. They also provide guidance on limiting heat gains and risk assessments to avoid high internal temperatures.
All new housing continues to be built to Nearly Zero Energy Building Standards and almost 90% of new dwellings now use renewable energy sources or heat pumps for heating.
Through these regulations we have effectively eliminated solid fuel and oil boilers as heating sources. This will significantly improve air quality in the areas where these homes are built relative to traditional developments.
My Department is leading on the review of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive. We are supportive of the proposals for Zero Emissions Buildings, Minimum Energy Performance Standards for Existing Buildings, Declarations of Global Warming Potential for new buildings and further requirements for Electric Vehicle recharging Infrastructure.
