Energy consumption in buildings accounts for 37.8% of all energy use in Limerick and Clare. This much energy consumption produced 1,416,226 tonnes of Carbon Dioxide. Of this 23.7% is used in residential buildings (by you and me). Changes to the building regulations in 1997 have led to stricter control on energy consumption in buildings, and the introduction of the Energy Performance Buildings Directive will lead to clearer understanding of the energy costs of home ownership. Energy costs are spiraling. Where does all the energy go?

• The first place to look is the Building Fabric. No matter how efficient your heading system is, if your building is leaking heat at a high rate you are wasting your energy and money. Over 50% of your heat can leak through building fabric; Get this right first.
• Next look at simple solutions for your Heating System and Hot Water System. Both may be supplied with heat from the same boiler.
• Ventilation. It is important that you get enough fresh air into your home for healthy living. Once you have eliminated the draughts you should make sure that you have the proper vents in your rooms.
• Renewable energy technologies such as solar panels, wood chip boilers are very popular at present. The “Greener Homes” grant scheme is providing grants to people that wish to install a range of technologies in their homes. This measure is well worth considering.
• The energy efficiency of each building will be clearly identified byBuilding Energy Rating (BER) labels, which you will see appearing for new dwellings offered for sale or rent, from the middle of 2007. All exiting buildings offered for sale or rent from January 2009 must have a Building Energy Rating. Assessors will be available to carry out the energy ratings from April 2007. If you are interested in becoming aBuilding.
• Energy Rating Assessor, take a look at the training that theLCEA can provide in the near future.
• Fuel Poverty is social, economic and environmental problem that affects many in our community. The Limerick Clare Energy Agency is working with community groups in Clare and Limerick to provide solutions to this problem. The community groups will be providing insulation services under the Warmer Homes Scheme. The insulation service will be substantially subsidised to assist people in receipt of government assistance.