Renewable Energy Group Welcomes Expansion Of Home Energy Saving Scheme

Renewable Energy Skills Skillnet (RESS), which has over 1100 members throughout Ireland, said that the expansion of the multi-million Euro scheme was a significant move as more than one million Irish homes built before 1997 remained poorly insulated and energy inefficient.

The Government established the EUR5M Home Energy Saving scheme earlier this year. Sustainable Energy Ireland, in conjunction with local authorities and local energy agencies, operated the pilot scheme in Ennis, Limerick, Dundalk and Tipperary.

"The introduction of environmentally sound construction methods and materials in the building of new homes is being undermined by the fact that a large percentage of Irish homes come nowhere near to meeting national energy efficiency targets. Therefore, we welcome the allocation of EUR20m in funds for the extended Home Energy Saving Scheme in 2009", explained RESS Chairperson Johnny Flynn.

Mr. Flynn added that householders across the country were continuing to waste millions of Euro each year on heating poorly insulated homes and the situation was unlikely to improve without further intervention by the Government and Local Authorities.

‘Apart from reducing fuel and electricity bills, a more energy-efficient home will help Ireland to meet its legally-binding climate change commitments and provide greater protection for householders against future increases in fuel costs, as well as making the use of renewable energy technologies a more practical option’, he commented.

Outlining the operation of the Home Energy Saving Scheme, Mr. Flynn stated, "Householders will avail of a Building Energy Rating (BER) assessor to come to their house, give the home a BER rating and advise on the works that need to be carried out to improve energy efficiency. The homeowner will pre-pay EUR100 towards the cost of this assessment, with Sustainable Energy Ireland subsidising the balance. The Government, therefore, will cover approximately two thirds of the cost of the assessment."

"The assessor may advise that the house requires such work as attic insulation, interior or exterior wall insulation, low emissions double-glazing, heating control or a range of other energy efficient works. The Government will then cover up to 30% of the cost of these works, to a maximum of EUR2,500. On completion of the works a follow-up energy assessment on the building will be undertaken so that there is a ‘before and after’ test of what has been done", he concluded.

Meanwhile, RESS will host the 4th National Renewable Energy Heating Conference in The Shannon Shamrock Conference Centre, Bunratty, Co Clare tomorrow and on Friday 17 October.

The key focus of this year’s conference, which will feature a keynote address from Mr. Tom Parlon, Director General of the Construction Industry Federation, will be the promotion of quality assurance within the renewable energy heating industry. National and international experts will explore its importance and benefits in the design, supply and installation of renewable energy heating technologies both in Ireland and abroad.

Michael Kitt, Minister of State at the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government and TD for Galway East, will also address the conference.

Mr. Dick Whelan of Renewable Energy Skills Skillnet (RES) explained that the provision of quality products and services to the consumer was crucial to the continued success of any industry.

He continued, ‘There has been some major steps forward recently taken in the Irish renewable energy sector, including the introduction of installer accreditation and minimum quality performance standards for products. At present, however, this is only applicable in the case of installations that are grant aided. The phased introduction of building energy ratings for housing and commercial buildings is another positive initiative’.

Mr. Whelan said that the upcoming conference would review where the renewable energy sector with regard to quality assurance in Ireland.

‘We will also examine European best practice and highlight improvements that can be made for the future across the various technologies. Meanwhile, conference delegates will have the opportunity to celebrate success within the industry at the Gala Award Dinner, which will feature the presentation of FETAC certificates to qualified renewable energy professionals from across the country’, he added.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editors:
- For further information please contact Johnny Flynn of RESS on 087-2571842 or Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations on 086-8534900 or media@dunphypr.com
- The Renewable Energy Skills was set up in 2004 to provide training and support to plumbing and heating contractors and related trades and professionals involved in the design, specification, installation and maintenance of Renewable Energy Heating Systems. Over the past 3 years the Renewable Energy Skills has provided its Renewable Energy training courses in ten locations, with trainees from nineteen counties so far attending. RES currently have over 150 members. For more on Renewable Energy Skills log on to www.renewableenergy.ie.
- Skillnets is an enterprise led body that was set up in April 1999 to assist companies in addressing their training and development needs. Skillnets is responsible for the operation of The Training Networks Programme. Since 1999, Skillnets has funded over 150 Training Networks and supported over 10,000 companies to meet their training needs. 50,000 staff and managers have participated in raising their skills levels and 30 different industry sectors have been involved. These opportunities for developing human potential can underpin the competitiveness of firms as well as increase the long term career opportunities and employability of employees.
Website www.skillnets.ie
- FETAC, the Further Education and Training Awards Council is the national awarding body for further education and training in Ireland, (FETAC) gives people the opportunity to gain recognition for learning in education or training centres, in the work place and in the community.
Website www.fetac.ie

Mark Dunphy
Dunphy Public Relations
www.dunphypr.com
media@dunphypr.com
00353-868534900