Election 2024: The parties’ pledges on retrofitting and energy efficiency

With just five days until the general election, political parties and independents have outlined their positions on key issues, from housing and the cost of living to healthcare.

While these topics have dominated much of the debate so far, where do the parties stand on retrofitting homes and businesses?

Ireland imports over 80% of its energy, with around 85% coming from fossil fuels, making it one of the most fossil fuel-dependent economies in Europe.

With energy policies central to our climate goals, EnergyEfficiency.ie has examined what each party has proposed for retrofits and energy upgrades in their manifestos as we head into the final stretch before Friday’s vote.

Fine Gael

Fine Gael has committed to offering generous retrofit grants, providing homeowners up to 50% funding to enhance energy efficiency and reduce costs. They aim to achieve 75,000 B2-equivalent retrofits annually between 2026 and 2030, focusing on lower-income households.

To make retrofitting more affordable, Fine Gael encourages group retrofitting projects, allowing neighbours to collaborate on home upgrades with guidance. They plan to work with energy companies to maximise the use of smart meters, helping households take advantage of cheaper tariffs and lower energy bills.

New grants will be offered to low-income families with homes in poor energy conditions who don’t qualify for free upgrades. This funding will prioritise essential upgrades such as attic insulation and heating controls, especially in older housing areas.

Fine Gael would also ensure private homeowners in mixed housing estates can access retrofitting projects at a fair cost. Vulnerable households would receive targeted support, including schemes for solar panel installation.

The party proposes a ‘Fair Deal’ model for retrofits, where older adults can reduce energy bills through home improvements, with costs settled from their estate.

They aim to phase out oil heating in older homes, advocating for renewable systems while supporting biofuels like Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) to reduce emissions from existing heating systems.

Fianna Fáil

Fianna Fáil has outlined several commitments to enhance energy efficiency and retrofitting accessibility, with a focus on affordability and sustainability.

They propose a new retrofitting scheme based on income tax paid over the previous three years, aiming to make retrofitting more affordable for lower- and middle-income families.

Scaling up retrofitting for local authority homes is a priority, particularly for the least energy-efficient properties. Fianna Fáil plans to establish an Energy Advice Service in every local authority, offering households tailored advice on improving energy efficiency.

To meet growing demand, the party will expand training and apprenticeship places for retrofitting. A Boiler Scrappage Pilot would encourage households to switch to renewable energy sources and speed up the phase-out of fossil fuel boilers in new builds.

Fianna Fáil intends to increase SEAI grants for heat pumps and create clear pathways for households to improve energy efficiency.

Fianna Fáil advocates for industries, including data centres, to provide waste heat for community projects and support the development of Local District Heating Networks, which would provide surplus industrial energy to heat multiple homes.

Sinn Féin

Sinn Féin’s manifesto also has a strong focus on energy efficiency and retrofitting, pledging €7 billion in investment for retrofitting.

Sinn Féin has pledged to overhaul how retrofitting is funded and delivered. Their strategy allocates 75% of funding to low- and modest-income households, aiming to reduce energy poverty and social deprivation.

The party plans to replace the Warmer Home Scheme with a tiered grants-based model for low- and middle-income families and increase capital investment by €1.5 billion to fund deep retrofits for over 100,000 homes.

Sinn Féin is committed to expanding retrofitting for local authority homes, with an additional €850 million investment over a government term to retrofit more than 44,000 social homes. They also plan a new scheme targeting homes using solid fuel, delivering deep retrofits to over 30,000 homes.

To support the transition to renewable energy, Sinn Féin proposes a dedicated heat pump scheme to shift fuel sources in retrofitted homes, enhancing energy efficiency.

Green Party

The Green Party has set an ambitious goal of eradicating fuel poverty by 2040, using carbon tax revenues to retrofit low-income homes.

They propose an equity release scheme to allow older people to retrofit their homes, improving comfort and warmth.

To support renters, the Green Party would extend the tax deduction for retrofitting rental properties beyond 2025, raising the cap from €10,000 to €30,000. This would be tied to landlords offering long-term tenancies.

Simplifying the retrofitting process is a priority. The Green Party promises to reduce red tape and make retrofitting accessible to all homes, especially older properties. They plan to increase the current 80% grant for attic and cavity wall insulation to 100%.

The Green Party has reaffirmed its commitment to using carbon tax revenues to expand retrofitting programmes, focusing on free retrofits for low-income homes and social housing tenants. They also propose making attic and cavity wall insulation free for all households.

To meet revised EU energy performance standards, the Greens plan to implement these for all new buildings and improve tax deductions for retrofitting in the private rental sector.

A Community Energy Advice Service would be set up in every local authority to guide households in applying for retrofit grants, and the Climate and Nature Fund would be used to finance retrofitting of public buildings, advancing sustainability across the public sector.

Social Democrats

The Social Democrats propose increasing investment in retrofitting, with a focus on affordable financing and prioritising heat pumps in new builds and retrofits.

They advocate for a ‘pay as you save’ retrofitting programme, allowing homeowners to gradually repay retrofitting costs through energy savings.

A rural retrofitting programme for homes using solid fuel and oil heating systems would be piloted, addressing unique challenges in these areas.

Local authorities and energy agencies would collaborate with Sustainable Energy Communities (SECs) to identify council-owned estates suitable for deep retrofits and facilitate group applications.

This approach would also extend to homeowners, encouraging collective applications to simplify and expand access to retrofitting projects.

People Before Profit

People Before Profit (PBP) proposes an immediate €1 billion investment in retrofitting homes with low BER ratings and those facing high energy poverty.

Their approach includes introducing minimum B2 BER standards for the private rented sector and prioritizing retrofitting for individuals living alone or in energy-inefficient homes.

PBP also suggests using the State Construction Company to directly retrofit homes to a B2 BER or higher, focusing on homes with the lowest energy ratings first. This strategy aims to reduce emissions, lower energy costs, and tackle energy poverty more effectively.

Solidarity

Solidarity advocates for a rapid transition to renewable energy, supported by public investment, alongside a major public works project focused on retrofitting existing buildings.

They emphasize a just transition, aiming to achieve it without regressive taxes or job losses.

The party envisions the creation of tens of thousands of green jobs in retrofitting, infrastructure, and public services, contributing to the public good and fostering sustainable development.

Aontú

Aontú has pledged to establish a €500 million fund over the next five years to help Irish enterprises improve energy efficiency. This investment would support businesses in reducing energy consumption and becoming more sustainable.

The party is also committed to upgrading the national grid and continuing interconnection projects, ensuring Ireland’s energy infrastructure is prepared to meet future demands and support the transition to renewable energy sources.