The Government’s Climate Action Plan includes targets for upgrading our housing stock, which accounts for around one quarter of all energy used in Ireland. With 1.8 million homes, the Government is committed to supporting 500,000 home energy upgrades to a minimum B2 standard and installing 400,000 heat pumps into existing homes.
SEAI is encouraging homeowners to make their homes more energy efficient through attic and wall insulation, moving away where possible from fossil fuel heating systems towards renewable options, including heat pumps. These upgrades result in warmer, healthier homes, that cost less to run and reduce Ireland’s carbon emissions.
The Government’s commitment is a valuable growth opportunity for Builders Merchants and Hardware Stores driving demand for retrofit skills and materials needed to support this transition.
Contractors registered with SEAI can deliver grant supported retrofit works. Builders Merchant and Hardware retail staff play a key role by advising on the materials, providing guidance and highlighting the benefits of home energy upgrades. This is an opportunity to upskill and grow their business, supporting Ireland’s sustainable energy transition.
Why Are Your Customers Investing in Home Energy Upgrades?
A home energy upgrade is a long-term investment that gives homeowners a warmer, healthier home with lower energy bills, a lower carbon footprint and added value to their home. With significant Government grants available through SEAI, more homeowners are seeking SEAI registered contractors.
The Opportunity for Builders Merchant & Hardware Stores
Given the drive for home energy upgrades, the demand for insulation materials and heat pumps is set to grow.
As it stands:
– 34% of houses have poor attic insulation, substantially below the current standard of 300mm.
– 26% of houses have poor wall insulation losing up to three times more heat than the current standard
– 57% of houses have inefficient heating systems and would benefit from
Free Retrofit Skills Course for Hardware Retail Staff
Hardware Association Ireland, in collaboration with SEAI and Laois Offaly Education Training Board, have developed the Retrofit Skills for Sales training course for hardware retail staff.
This one-day course covers home energy upgrade basics including:
– Government Grant Schemes
– Principles of Heat Loss
– Insulation, Heating Controls, Heating Systems
– Airtightness and Ventilation
Course attendees will be able to advise customers on the home energy upgrade benefits and materials they need to avail of grants. The course launches on Monday 3rd November and is free of charge. See registration details on following page.
Find out more and register your staff at info@mountlucas.ie.
SEAI has a number of different home energy upgrade programmes. See www.seai.ie for more information.
