The total spend on energy by the Irish residential sector in 2004 was €2.2 billion, according to the findings of a new report published by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI).
The report says energy efficiency gains have been made in the residential sector over the period 1990 to 2004. The growth in energy use of 32 per cent over the period was lower than the 43 per cent growth in the total stock of residential dwellings over the same period. The amount of energy consumed per permanently occupied dwelling decreased by 7.7 per cent between 1990 and 2004.
The report - Energy Consumption and CO2 Emissions in the Residential Sector 1990-2004 - provides a profile of the residential sector, tracking energy consumption trends and analysing the issues that affect residential energy consumption.
Chief executive of SEI David Taylor said, "Given that the residential sector is responsible for 26 per cent of Ireland's primary energy requirement and 27 per cent of energy-related carbon dioxide emissions, this comprehensive data on energy trends is timely and will help inform future policy development in this area. The publication of this report marks the first time that such a profiling exercise has been conducted for Ireland.
"It is encouraging to note that, as a whole, the residential sector has become more efficient in energy use."
The SEI operates a number of programmes which, over time, should help improve the energy efficiency of the Irish housing stock. Under the "House of Tomorrow" programme, funding of €13.5 million has been approved for 61 projects comprising 3,078 dwellings demonstrating sustainable energy planning, design and construction practices.