NI homeowners investing in renewables and energy saving measures (ESMs) could save thousands thanks to a new zero VAT rate taking effect this April. In this article we cover: Energy saving materials (ESMs) will no longer be applied full value added tax in NI, thanks to measures introduced in Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s Spring Statement. According […] More
Building your walls out of concrete will usually take the form of the ever popular block build, but there are other options to consider. In this article we cover: What is concrete and how it’s greening its image What is cavity wall construction (blockwork) How to insulate blockwork walls Different types of blocks, from aerated […] More
Most grant aided contractors do not show “good performance”, as the ROI government plans to invest €8 billion to 2030 in home energy upgrades. A record number of contractors were removed from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) contractors register in 2021, according to statistics supplied to Selfbuild by the SEAI. 291 contractors were […] More
Thanks to advances in technology, there’s morethan one way to build a house. Here’swhat’s on the menu for building your walls. In this article we cover: An overview of what building options are out there What’s popular and available to build with in Ireland today Ways to compare building methods Indication of costs and timescales […] More
New buildings will have to meet “net zero” standards by 2026/27, and new energy grants for existing homes will be introduced this year (2022). A one-stop shop for homeowners seeking energy advice, “a significant pilot domestic retrofit scheme in 2022”, and net zero building regulations for 2026 are all part of NI’s Path to Net […] More
The ROI Microgeneration Support Scheme (MSS) has finally been announced – more than three years behind schedule – so you will now be paid to export electricity to the grid. In December 2021, ROI Minister for the Environment Eamon Ryan announced the MSS roll out with the launch of the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) tariff, […] More
Timber is naturally breathable and eco friendly; we look at how homes are built with timber frame in Ireland today. In this article we cover: What is timber frame Stick build construction Open versus closed panel construction How timber frame kit suppliers work, with a breakdown of each stage Who does what on site with […] More
An insulation upgrade is the single best way to make your home consume less energy, before you even consider upgrading your heating system or replacing the windows. Here’s how to approach your home insulation upgrade in Ireland. In this article we cover: The first step to your home energy upgrade is to evaluate what state your […] More
If you’re building new, you will want a energy strategies that deliver on low energy bills and a healthy indoor environment. In this article we cover: Your energy strategy in a new build will at the minimum, have to meet the building regulations. The regulations in ROI are stricter than in NI. Basic regs The […] More
According to the UK Building Research Establishment, a house built to be reasonably airtight and to the current ROI building regulations (5 cubic meters/h/sqm at 50Pa) consumes 40 per cent less energy than a house built to the old building regulation standard of 10 cubic meters/h/sqm. You’ve been told many times about the need to […] More
There are many different types of insulation, from highly efficient plastic based products to natural alternatives. Here are your options in Ireland. In this article we cover: Rolls or batts? The most common types of insulation can be categorised as being in rigid or roll form. The rigid forms tend to be boards used for […] More
What insulation and airtightness are, how they’re used in a new build and what’s involved in your energy assessment. In this article, we cover: What’s the difference between an NZEB and a passive house? The terms passive house and Nearly Zero Energy Building (NZEB) both refer to designing buildings that require very little energy […] More
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