At the event, elected representatives, Irish and EU policy experts, industry leaders, and citizens will discuss and strategise the path towards more energy-efficient and sustainable homes in the country. The critical issue of energy inefficiency in Irish homes will be the focus of a panel discussion exploring the opportunities, challenges, and financing options to insulate homes for a sustainable future.
Expert speakers will include:
- Sean Michael Collins, head of AIB Homes in Area South
- Hubert Fitzpatrick, director general of Construction Industry Federation
- Ciaran Byrne, director of National Retrofit at SEAI
- Julien Tami, policy officer, national renovation strategies, funding and international cooperation on buildings policy at the European Commission
- Niall O'Connor, managing director of Kingspan Insulation Ireland
Carol Meehan, commercial director, AIB Homes, will deliver the opening address. Additionally, Kieran O'Donnell, Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage, will share his insights on the subject. Following the panel discussion, there will be closing remarks by Senator Maria Byrne and MEP Sean Kelly.
"Ireland is home to approximately 1.7 million occupied homes, housing a population of over five million. These homes collectively consume about a quarter of the country's energy and are responsible for 29 per cent of energy-related greenhouse gas emissions,” the MEP for Ireland South, Sean Kelly, said.
“With the ambitious goal of retrofitting nearly 30 per cent of the residential housing stock (500,000 homes) and installing over 400,000 heat pumps, Ireland has set strong decarbonisation targets for the residential sector,” he added.
“Buildings play a significant role in the energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions across the European Union. As part of the EU's commitment to combat climate change, various policies have been established to reduce carbon emissions in buildings. Home retrofitting is very personal, therefore, this event is about bringing ambitious EU actions directly to the people by discussing what options and solutions are available to them to play their part," he said.
An exhibition area will showcase some of the country's best one-stop shops for sustainable home solutions, including electric vehicle charging companies, district heating providers, and solar energy companies.