Energy standards 'will reduce carbon emissions'
New energy standards for new shops and offices will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 50,000 tonnes a year, it was claimed today.
Environment Minister Dick Roche said the new energy regulations were part of the Government’s plan to meet its commitments under the Kyoto Treaty.
“The higher thermal performance and insulation standards for new non-domestic buildings will reduce CO2 emissions by an estimated 50,000 tonnes per annum by the end of 2012,” he said.
However, Ireland is still expected to exceed its agreed limits for emissions of greenhouse gasses under the Kyoto Treaty by nearly 40% by 2010, and may face millions of euro in fines.
The new energy regulations will apply to offices, shops, factories and leisure centres which are built after July 1 next year.
However, businesses which apply for planning permission before that date and complete their buildings within two years will be exempt.
Mr Roche said CO2 emissions from new dwellings would fall by at least 250,000 tonnes per year by due to the increased insulation standards introduced in 2003.
“And it won’t stop there. The current standards for new dwellings will be subject to review in 2008 in accordance with an EU requirement to review building energy performance standards every 5 years,” he said.
The details of the new energy standards for new houses will be published by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) early next year.
