Tackling energy poverty in residential care homes in Ireland

In 2023, significant efforts were made to address energy poverty in the residential sector. Energy poverty occurs when individuals or communities struggle to access affordable and reliable energy services. While Ireland has a strong energy infrastructure, vulnerable groups, like elderly or low-income households, can still face challenges.

The South East Energy Agency undertook deep retrofits on 15 properties at the Holy Ghost Residential Home in Waterford City, under the Irish SEAI Community Energy Grant scheme. This facility, built in the 1970s, houses elderly tenants classified as living in energy poverty. The homes were cold, draughty, and affected by mould before the upgrades.

Energy audits were conducted, and specific measures were identified to reduce energy consumption, lower carbon emissions, and improve comfort. The retrofits focused on improving insulation, airtightness, and ventilation, followed by installing renewable energy solutions like heat pumps, air-to-water systems, and solar PV.

Before the retrofit, the homes had low BER ratings of C, E, F, or G. After the upgrades, all units achieved an A BER rating. These improvements significantly increased energy efficiency, lifted tenants out of energy poverty, and enhanced their living conditions.

Colm O’Mahony, Energy Engineer at South East Energy Agency, emphasized that addressing energy poverty is crucial in the face of rising energy costs. By implementing renewable and efficient energy solutions, communities can break the cycle of poverty, improve quality of life, and contribute to climate action.

Source: South East Ireland Energy Agency

southeastenergy.ie

contactsoutheastenergy [dot] ie (contact[at]southeastenergy[dot]ie)