Building regulations

The requirements relating to conservation of fuel and energy for dwellings are laid out in Part L of the Second Schedule to the Building Regulations 1997 (S.I. No. 497 of 1997) as amended by the Building Regulations (Amendment) Regulations 2007 (S.I. No. 854 of 2007). Updates for some of these regulations come into effect from 2018, see the latest reports here. 

The Regulations provide for:

• A mandatory minimum renewable energy requirement in all new homes, such as solar heating systems or biomass systems 
• Mandatory levels of energy efficient fixed light fittings
• Minimum standards on heating systems to ensure they are highly energy efficient
• Minimum requirements for heating system controls to minimise energy waste through excessive heating
• Air tightness testing, to ensure the homes are not leaking heat excessively
• Guidance on ensuring a minimum quality of workmanship and construction
• Consumer information on  the efficient operation of the homeowner’s dwelling as a minimum requirement
• New buildings should also be future-proofed to be easily upgraded to higher energy and CO₂ standards in the future

Technical Guidance Documents (TGDs) have also been produced, which provide guidance on how to undertake construction so that it complies with the Regulations. Copies of the TGDs can be downloaded by visiting the Department of the Evironment, Community and Local Government website.