Dubliners want the Government to prioritise the use of renewable energy to power and heat the capital’s homes, but fear they won’t be able to afford retrofitting costs, according to research by Dublin’s energy agency, Codema.
A survey of more than 1,000 people living in Dublin by the agency, which advises the four Dublin local authorities, indicated high levels of concern about the continued use of fossil fuels for home energy. However, respondents felt they would need considerably more State support to change to heat pumps and other energy efficient power options.
The surveys were undertaken in September and October shortly before the publication of the Government’s climate action plan which put the cost of home energy upgrades at an average of €56,000 per family home. Industry experts have in recent days indicated the cost could be as high as €70,000.
The public were asked how often they think about their everyday energy use, with the vast majority, 96 per cent, answering either “all of the time” (48 per cent) or “some of the time” (48 per cent), with very few indicating that they never thought about their daily energy use.
When asked to identify the key areas of concern in relation to their energy use, 84 per cent of respondents cited “environment and climate”, ahead of bills and costs at 72 per cent, and considerably ahead of levels of comfort in the home at 39 per cent.
Renewable energy
When asked what climate actions should be prioritised for Dublin, the highest level of support, just over 80 per cent, was for the use of renewable energy to power and heat homes, with using energy more efficiently in general coming in at 76 per cent.
However, while people wanted to heat their home without the use of fossil fuels, two-thirds of respondents had doubts over whether this was achievable for them.
One-third said they’d like to install a heat pump or other clean energy source but said it was “too expensive” for them. Another 22 per cent said they would like to be in a position to do this but it was “not an option” for them, while 11 per cent said they “didn’t know how”.
Additionally, many respondents said they would like to be able to source their own renewable energy (eg by installing solar panels) but felt this was either too expensive (37 per cent), not an option for them (23 per cent) or they didn’t have information on how to do this (7 per cent).
“With over 31 per cent of Dublin’s total emissions coming from the residential sector, this survey highlights that barriers such as cost, poor infrastructure and a lack of information and awareness need to be addressed, in order to enable those living in Dublin to take direct action,” Codema said.
“The survey also indicated areas where the public need further support in moving away from fossil fuels, which related mainly to activities where financial investment or technical knowledge is required.”
