Frequently Asked Questions

Energy Efficiency refers to the reduction of energy consumption on the basis of technological and economic changes and changes in behaviour, through which the same or a higher standard or degree of comfort is assured.

Are grants or tax concessions available for the installation of alternative energy heating systems in Ireland?

The Greener Homes Scheme provides assistance to homeowners who intend to purchase a new renewable energy heating system for either new or existing homes. The scheme is administered by Sustainable Energy Ireland  (SEI) and aims to  increase the use of renewable energy and sustainable energy technologies in Irish homes. Further information is available from SEI on 1850 734 734 or by e-mailing greenerhomes@sei.ie


Under Sustainable Energy Ireland’s House of Tomorrow  Research, Development and Demonstration Programme, financial support is directed at encouraging developers of housing, both new-build and refurbishment, involving clusters of 5 or more homes, to incorporate design and technology features, which deliver significantly superior energy and CO₂ performance. By targeting developers of schemes of houses, from the private or social housing sectors, the aim has been to establish, over a number of years, a nationwide network of accessible examples of more sustainable energy design and technology practices. With the accompaniment of other promotional measures by SEI, this in intended to encourage a sufficient degree of market replication, without subsidy, to elevate energy performance standards across the wider housing stock. This targeted approach is also designed to be an administratively efficient method for deployment of public monies.

For further information, please contact the Renewable Energy Information Office  on +353 (0) 23 42193 or renewables@reio.ie

What is renewable energy?

Renewable energy comes from energy resources that are continuously replenished through the cycles of nature. Unlike fossil fuels, their supply will never become exhausted. The main sources of renewable energy are the sun (solar energy), wind, moving water (hydropower, wave and tidal energy), heat below the surface of the earth (geothermal energy) and biomass (wood, waste, energy crops). For further information on renewable energy, please go to the Renewable Energy Division's web page or see Sustainable Energy Ireland's website 

Fuel Poverty - what does it mean?

Fuel poverty arises when a householder is unable to adequately heat or light their home owing to a number of factors, including low income and energy inefficient housing. Quantitatively, a fuel poor household is often defined as one needing to spend in excess of 10% of the household income on fuel to achieve a satisfactory level of heating. The consequences of fuel poverty for households affected, in addition to poor comfort, can include poor health, increased debt and a decline in the physical state of their home.