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New SEAI pilot scheme to address the retrofit needs of older homes

New SEAI pilot scheme to address the retrofit needs of older homes

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has launched a new pilot scheme to address the retrofit needs of older homes. This development is most welcome for people wishing to renovate older properties that present with their own unique set of challenges in terms of heat loss reduction.

The Business Post 27th October 2024 published an article explaining the change in approach by the SEAI  when it comes to older building stock. Up to now, SEAI’s home energy upgrade grants and one-stop shop service have focused exclusively on newer houses with cavity wall construction. However, the SEAI says traditionally-built homes require “quite different solutions to more modern, post-1940 buildings”.

For the approximately 250,000 traditionally-built homes in Ireland – whether stone-built cottages, heritage homes, or those constructed before modern building standards – the wrong kind of retrofit can be ineffective, and even damage the fabric of the building.

The use of modern insulation can be disastrous as it interferes with moisture transfer through external walls and other pathways for moisture to be released through the fabric of the building. Increasing air tightness is not appropriate in older buildings given the types of materials used such as porous brick that needs greater levels of internal air movement.

“Retrofitting traditional builds can be more challenging,“ Stephen Farrell, SEAI’s national retrofit programme manager, told the Business Post. “It is important the market and supply chains understand the skills and resources required, informed by qualified conservation professionals, to make these homes more energy-efficient.“

The move follows the publishing, in February 2024, of official guidance on the issue by the Department of Housing, Improving Energy Efficiency in Traditional Buildings – Guidance for Specifiers and Installers. The booklet is also targeted at end users, to help them understand best practice.

Retrofit needs of older homes

The SEAI advises owners of older homes to engage with a traditional building professional to assess the particular needs of their house ahead of any retrofit work. The pilot process differs from a regular one-stop shop scheme in that the homeowner engages the services of such a specialist – typically an accredited architect, surveyor or chartered engineer with conservation experience – who will work with the One Stop Shop to develop a tailored plan for the upgrade. This retrofit will be then eligible for the home energy grant.

The SEAI are seeking 100 traditionally constructed homes to participate in the pilot, which is expected to run until early 2026. In order to be eligible, projects should be aiming for a B2 BER, but the SEAI says it will also consider “projects that can deliver a significant upgrade in performance but not meet those targets“.

It is hoped the learnings from the scheme will lead to a more nuanced national retrofit grants system that takes into account differing building types and ages. “SEAI will better understand the particular challenges and possible solutions for these difficult to treat homes, hopefully widening the net for homes to join Ireland’s energy transition,” said Farrell.

Talk to Kelleher & Associates about pre-purchase or general surveys of period buildings in Dublin and surrounding counties. We can provide comprehensive advice on the best way to retrofit older buildings.

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Source of some information and quotations: Business Post, October 2024

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