Insulation and Resource Use

Building insulation is of central concern when aiming to achieve a more energy efficient, resource-conscious environment. While resource use has decreased in the past few years due to the economic downturn, the main challenge is to break the link between economic growth and the environmental impact of unsustainable resource use.

Life-Cycle Chain from Extraction through Production to Consumption and Waste

Life-Cycle Chain from Extraction through Production to Consumption and Waste. Source: Ireland's Environment 2008.

Life-Cycle Chain from Extraction through Production to Consumption and Waste

Life-Cycle Chain from Extraction through Production to Consumption and Waste

Life-Cycle Chain from Extraction through Production to Consumption and Waste. Source: Ireland's Environment 2008.

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The greatest impact on resources arises from transport, construction, agriculture, energy and water supply. It is important to change attitudes towards resource-use, and promote less resource-intensive ways of providing these services in order to ensure a reduced environmental impact.

Reducing the use of resources will improve energy consumption and waste generation. Improving insulation in buildings is an important step in achieving this, and there are a number of options available to home owners and businesses to help create a more sustainable living and working environment.

The Better Energy Home scheme operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland is now in operation. This scheme helps homeowners make their homes more energy efficient by providing grants for elements such as wall and roof insulation, installing energy efficient boilers, etc.

To further improve the energy efficiency of your home and reduce usage of fuel resources, consider installing a heat-recovery ventilator. This keeps the heat in while moving stale air out. ‘Smart home’ technology can also be used to control energy use within the home, automatically turning off electrical appliances and lighting.

For more information on grants available for making your home greener, see the SEAI website.