Gamma Labs Research has carried out research with their partner BERWOW on BER trends around the country which include analysis on housing types, socioeconomic demographics, and geographic location.
The key findings are that privately let homes are the least energy efficient housing type, that there is a high concentration of A/B-rated homes in the most affluent areas of the country, and that a number of counties have very energy inefficient housing stock.
Six counties (Clare, Leitrim, Mayo, Offaly, Roscommon, and Tipperary) had more than double the number of E/F/G-rated than A/B-rated homes.
Gamma Labs, the leading location intelligence technology company in Ireland, has published a comprehensive new report that sheds light on energy efficiency trends within the nation’s housing stock. Collaborating with BERWOW, a specialist in Building Energy Ratings (BER), the report analyses energy efficiency across various socioeconomic demographics, geographic locations, and property types.
The report finds a correlation between BER ratings and the socioeconomic status of homeowners. Notably, one-third (33%) of A-rated homes are concentrated in the most affluent 10% of the country, while a mere 2% of homes in the least affluent areas achieve an A rating. Over a quarter (26%) of homes in these economically disadvantaged regions are rated E or below.
In assessing energy efficiency across counties, the study identifies stark disparities. Only four counties – Cork, Kildare, Louth, and Meath – report an excess of A/B-rated homes compared to those rated E/F/G, making Louth homes among the cosiest in the nation.
Charlotte Cuffe, Chief Data Scientist at Gamma Labs, said: “Having access to such property insights is not just useful for homeowners in terms of assessing energy efficiency and retrofitting options (including grants), but also construction companies, energy providers, banks, estate agents and insurance companies. This data can provide a baseline or a benchmark from which people can look to improve their green credentials.”
Michael Hanratty, CEO of BERWOW, added: “Equipping stakeholders with data which can enhance their service offerings, lower investment risk, and empower sustainable decision-making is a crucial step in the sustainability journey. In turn, this means organisations can make operations greener, people can create more efficient homes, and Ireland as a whole can take crucial steps to get closer to our emissions targets.”