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Support Measures for DHC |
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Country |
Ireland |
Download pdf version
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Name and reference of measure |
Type of measure |
Responsible organ |
Existing or planned? |
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1 |
Building Regulations 2008, Part L |
Regulatory requirement |
DCENR |
Existing |
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Name and reference of measure |
Type of measure |
Responsible organ |
Existing or planned? |
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2 |
CHP Deployment Programme |
Capital expenditure support |
Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) |
Existing |
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Quotations from the measure |
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COMBINED HEAT AND POWER DEPLOYMENT PROGRAMME APPLICATION GUIDE
The CHP Deployment Programme aims to support the deployment of combined heat and power (CHP) across Ireland, by means of grant aid assistance, in accordance with the requirements contained in the EU Directive on CHP.
Feasibility Study Grant Programme Feasibility studies investigating the application of CHP across all technologies and size ranges greater than 50 kWe will be supported at the discretion of SEI.
CHP Investment Grant Programme At present investment grants will only be offered to small-scale fossil fired CHP with a capacity ≥ 50kWe and < 1MWe, through a non-discretionary grant programme.
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The Purpose of the measure |
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The objectives of this Programme are to: · Increase the deployment of small-scale fossil-fired and biomass CHP systems in industrial, commercial, service and public sectors ; · Produce energy and carbon emission savings and fossil fuel displacement ; · Potentially increase electricity system security via more diversity of local embedded · generating plant; · Increase customer awareness and confidence in CHP; · Increase the capability of the Irish CHP equipment supply chain.
The programme provides grant support to assist the deployment of small-scale fossil fired CHP and biomass (anaerobic digestion (AD) and wood residue) CHP systems.
At present the programme includes feasibility studies, to assist investigation into the application of CHP across all size ranges and technologies and investment grant support for small-scale fossil fired CHP with a capacity ≥ 50kWe and < 1MWe.
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Eligibility Criteria |
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· The proposed CHP plant must be within the eligible size range (≥50kWe and < 1MWe) and be fired by natural gas, oil or another licensed fuel; · Applicants must complete a feasibility study of the site’s suitability to CHP prior to submitting an application for CHP investment grant support. · Applicants must ensure that the CHP plant when operational will meet the “high efficiency” requirements of EU Directive (2004/8/EC) achieving the primary energy savings as per Annex III of the Directive; · Applicants must agree to install heat and electricity metering necessary to meet the requirements of EU Directive (2004/8/EC). · Applicants must agree to have the projected annual energy savings verified and certified by an SEI appointed inspector, stating that the CHP plant will comply with the requirements of the EU Directive (2004/8/EU); · Applicants must agree to provide annual fuel usage and electricity and useful heat output in response to a survey by SEI representatives for the purposes of reporting to the European Commission and publication of the statistics as required under EU Directive (2004/8/EC); · The estimated operating hours of the proposed CHP plant must meet the required minimum of 4000 hrs/year. · Eligible costs include - purchase and installation of CHP plant, including: - fuel supply and processing equipment; - prime mover; - necessary heat exchangers; - control, protection and heat and electricity metering equipment. · Ineligible costs include – all costs relating to the purchase and installation of: - heat-only boilers; - electrical connections for export; - heat delivery system; - internal staff costs except in the case where the applicant is an ESCO.
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Impact of Measure |
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Generally this measure has a positive impact – helping to promote DH. However it provides no guidance on how to operate or administer DH systems. Also, the cost of heat delivery systems are not eligible for support.
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Effectiveness of the measure |
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An indicative allocation of €11 million was made for a CHP programme to run in the 2006 to 2010 time frame.
The Programme will provides up to 40% funding for qualifying CHP feasibility studies and up to 30% investment grant support to eligible small-scale (≥ 50kWe and < 1MWe) fossil fired CHP projects.
According to SEI’s annual report for 2008 the CHP programme has supported the installation of over 40 CHP plants (mainly gas-fired), with a total capacity of 7 MWe and 10.6 MWth. If Ireland is to meet its ambitious CHP targets then CHP units larger than the 999 kWe threshold will be required.
Ireland’s national CHP targets under the National Climate Change Strategy are 400 MWe by 2010 and 800 MWe by 2020 of installed CHP capacity. At the end of 2008 the total installed active CHP capacity was 298.7 MWe,
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Name and reference of measure |
Type of measure |
Responsible organ |
Existing or planned? |
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3 |
Biomass CHP/Anaerobic Digestion (AD) CHP Call for Proposals |
Capital expenditure support |
Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) |
Existing |
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Quotations from the measure |
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BIOMASS CHP / ANAEROBIC DIGESTION CHP DEPLOYMENT PROGRAMME CALL FOR PROPOSALS APPLICATION GUIDELINES
The purpose of the Biomass CHP / Anaerobic Digestion CHP Deployment Programme Call for Proposals is to deliver increased market penetration of CHP schemes fuelled by biomass and biogas from anaerobic digestion, in fulfilment of government policy on bioenergy as detailed in the Bioenergy Action Plan for Ireland launched in March 2007.
The CHP programme, which includes fossil fired CHP, has an indicative allocation of €11 million from the 2006 budget announcement of €65 million funding for renewable energy for the period 2006 – 2010. The Biomass CHP / Anaerobic Digestion CHP Deployment Programme is a subset of the CHP programme and has an indicative budget of €5-8 million (out of the €11 million) over the period.
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The Purpose of the measure |
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The objectives of this call are to: · Increase the deployment of biomass CHP and anaerobic digestion CHP schemes in industrial, commercial, services and public sectors in the Republic of Ireland; · Produce energy and carbon emission savings and fossil fuel displacement; · Increase electricity system security via more diversity of local embedded generating plant; · Increase customer awareness and confidence in biomass CHP and anaerobic digestion CHP; · Increase the capability of the Irish biomass CHP and anaerobic digestion CHP equipment supply chain.
In order to achieve these objectives the call will provide grant funding to projects that will deliver: · Increased investment in new biomass CHP and anaerobic digestion CHP that have been designed appropriately to meet the specific circumstances of individual sites; · New biomass CHP and anaerobic digestion CHP installations that operate in line with original design intent as evaluated after one year from the date of operation, · New biomass CHP and anaerobic digestion CHP plants delivering primary energy savings in accordance with the EU Cogeneration Directive (2004/8/EC); · New projects with a date of operation of 31 December 2010 at the latest.
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Eligibility Criteria |
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Projects utilising eligible technology in a combined heat and power scheme fuelled by biomass or biogas from anaerobic digestion are eligible for support under this call. However, for biomass projects, i.e. other than biogas from anaerobic digestion, the minimum eligible project scale is 100 kWe capacity and the programme will support only 5 biomass projects of less than 500 kWe capacity. For biogas from anaerobic digestion projects, the minimum eligible project scale is 50 kWe.
Projects involving the combustion of industrial or municipal wastes in what are commonly referred to as incinerators or Waste to Energy plants and to which the Waste Incineration Directive (WID) applies are not eligible for support under this call.
Eligible Projects must fulfil the following criteria: · The plant must be fuelled by (preferably indigenous) biomass, or biogas from an anaerobic digester. · The plant must be designed to operate as a high efficiency CHP, in accordance with the EU CHP directive. · The plant must demonstrate primary energy savings (PES) as calculated by the methodology defined in the EU Cogeneration Directive 2004/8/EC. · The plant must demonstrate carbon savings as compared against the alternative fossil fuel fired power station and on-site boilers delivering the same energy outputs (useful heat and power) · The project must be able to demonstrate it is deliverable within the timeframes of this call and be installed and achieve a date of operation on or before 31 December 2010. · There is no upper limit on the electrical capacity of the prime mover. However projects with large prime movers in relation to heat load are unlikely to demonstrate primary energy savings in accordance with the EU CHP Directive 2004/8/EC.
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Impact of Measure |
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Generally this measure has a positive impact – helping to promote DH.
However it has the following shortcomings from a DH point of view: · It provides no guidance on how to operate or administer DH systems. · The cost of heat delivery systems are not eligible for support. · Waste to Energy facilities are not supported.
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Effectiveness of the measure |
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The Biomass CHP / Anaerobic Digestion CHP Deployment Programme is a subset of the CHP programme and has an indicative budget of €5-8 million (out of the €11 million).
Ireland’s national CHP targets under the National Climate Change Strategy are 400 MWe by 2010 and 800 MWe by 2020 of installed CHP capacity. At the end of 2008 the total installed active CHP capacity was 298.7 MWe,
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Name and reference of measure |
Type of measure |
Responsible organ |
Existing or planned? |
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4 |
ReHeat Deployment Programme |
Capital expenditure support |
SEI |
Existing |
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Quotations from the measure |
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RENEWABLE HEAT DEPLOYMENT PROGRAMME APPLICATION GUIDE
The Renewable Heat (ReHeat) Deployment Programme is aimed at stimulating the installation of new renewable energy plants supplying space, water and process heating in the commercial, industrial, services, public sectors as well as ESCO (Energy Supply Company) installations by means of grant assistance. The Programme is focussed on biomass boilers (fuelled by wood chips and wood pellets), solar thermal collectors and heat pumps. |
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The Purpose of the measure |
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Launched in March 2007, the Renewable Heat (ReHeat) Deployment Programme provides assistance for the deployment of renewable heating systems in industrial, commercial, public and community premises in Ireland. The programme is administered by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) and is an expansion of the previous Bioheat Boiler Deployment Programme which supported woodchip or pellet boilers only.
Under the ReHeat Deployment programme, grants are available for the deployment of qualifying renewable heating systems in the following categories: — boilers fuelled by wood chips and/or wood pellets , Installations can be in the commercial, industrial, services and public sectors and also includes community organisations and Energy Supply Companies (ESCOs), in Ireland.
The objectives of this programme are to · Increase the use of renewable energy heating systems in the commercial, industrial, services and public sectors · Increase the deployment of biomass boilers (fuelled by wood chips and wood pellets), solar thermal systems and heat pumps · Ensure renewable energy heating systems are designed and installed to operate efficiently · Achieve carbon emission savings and fossil fuel displacement
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Eligibility Criteria |
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Under this programme the following are eligible for support: · Support of up to 30% of eligible costs is available for Capital Investment projects and support of up to 40% of eligible costs is available for Feasibility Study projects. · Capital Investment Grants for the purchase and installation of: — Automatic biomass boilers designed to consume wood chips and/or wood pellets. — Solar thermal heating systems contributing to hot water demand for direct use or space heating. — Heat Pump systems that are ground source, air to water and ground water to water. Cooling only heat pumps are not eligible under the programme, nor are comfort air conditioners or heat recovery heat pumps using waste heat from other processes as a heat source. · Feasibility Studies may be supported on a discretionary basis, (limited to a maximum grant of €5,000 per technology for any project, and a total fund of €300,000 for all projects supported). Feasibility studies in cases of technical complexity or with innovative elements will be preferred for support.
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Impact of Measure |
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Has lead to: · Increased usage of renewable heating systems in industrial, commercial, public and community premises, · Carbon emission savings and fossil fuel displacement, · Increase customer awareness and confidence in heating from renewable sources.
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Effectiveness of the measure |
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This scheme has an indicative budget of €26 million for 2006-2010.
In 2008, the ReHeat projects completed under the programme were as follows: · Biomass boilers: 85 projects with a total installed capacity of 37 MWth · Solar thermal: 73 projects with a total installed area of 1,300 m2 · Heat pumps: 28 projects with a total installed capacity of 2.3 MWth
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Name and reference of measure |
Type of measure |
Responsible organ |
Existing or planned? |
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5 |
Renewable Energy Feed In Tariff (REFIT) |
Market support mechanism |
DCENR |
Existing |
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Quotations from the measure |
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RENEWABLE ENERGY FEED IN TARIFF (REFIT – 2006) A COMPETITION FOR ELECTRICITY GENERATION From Biomass, Hydro and Wind
5.1 The following shall be the reference prices for each category of electricity for the purpose of calculating compensation for suppliers:
i. Large Scale Wind category 5.7 eurocents per kWh. ii. Small Scale Wind category 5.9 eurocents per kWh. iii. Hydro 7.2 eurocents per kWh. iv. Biomass Landfill Gas 7 eurocents per kWh. v. Other Biomass 7.2 eurocents per kWh.
RENEWABLE ENERGY FEED IN TARIFF ADDITIONAL CATEGORIES (REFIT – 2009) A COMPETITION FOR ELECTRICITY GENERATION From Anaerobic Digestion, Biomass powered high efficiency CHP, Ocean Energy and Offshore wind energy.
1.1 The Government has set a target to increase the contribution from renewable energy sourced electricity to 15% of the electricity consumed by 2010 and 40% by 2020 and in order to deliver these targets sets out to encourage the development of ocean energy technologies and to increase the uses of biomass anaerobic digestion and high efficiency biomass CHP.
1.2 It is estimated that the 40% target will require installed generating capacity of the order of 5,800 MWs. The purpose of this document, subject to clause is to add additional categories to the established REFIT support programme to ensure the quantitative target for 2020 can be achieved.
5.1 The following shall be the reference prices for each category of electricity notified herein for the purpose of calculating compensation for suppliers.
i. Anaerobic Digestion 12 eurocents per kWh.
ii. High Efficiency (HE) CHP 12 eurocents per kWh when the plant is operating in HE CHP mode. The reference price when the plant is not operating in HE CHP mode is the (adjusted) reference price for biomass categories notified in the REFIT rules already published adjusted in accordance with the rules therein up to 2025.
iii. Ocean Energy 22 eurocents per kWh.
iv. Offshore wind 14 eurocents per kWh.
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The Purpose of the measure |
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On 1st May 2006 the Minister for Communications Marine and Natural Resources announced the publication of the next market support mechanism for renewables to be known as the Renewable Energy Feed In Tariff (REFIT).
The aim of REFIT is to more than double the contribution of renewable sources in electricity production from 5.2% in 2004 to 13.2% by 2010 by increasing the total capacity of renewable energy technologies built to 1,450 MWs.
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Eligibility Criteria |
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The scheme requires an electricity supplier to enter into a 15 year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the electricity generator.
When a project has secured REFIT support it must satisfy certain ongoing requirements in order to retain the support. For example, the generator must complete the generation facility promptly within certain time frames set down in its application documents.
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Impact of Measure |
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Positive: Has lead to increased generating capacity in terms of electricity only and CHP facilities. Negative: Tends to influence operators of CHP facilities to produce more electricity (displacing heat production). If REFIT applied to heat sales also the balance could be restored.
Since early 2006, the Renewable Energy Feed in Tariff (REFIT) has become the main tool for promoting RES-E in Ireland.
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Effectiveness of the measure |
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During its first year (2006), 98% of all the REFIT support was allocated to wind farms. The total contribution from renewable energy to gross electrical consumption in 2007 was 9.4% compared with 4.9% in 1990, See trend below.
(Source: Sustainable Energy Ireland)
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# |
Name and reference of measure |
Type of measure |
Responsible organ |
Existing or planned? |
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6 |
Building Energy Rating |
Statutory Instrument |
DEHLG |
Existing |
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DEHLG: Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government |
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Quotations from the measure |
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S.I. No. 666 of 2006 EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES (ENERGY PERFORMANCE OF BUILDINGS) REGULATIONS 2006
5. (1) A person who commissions the construction of a large new building shall ensure, before work commences on its construction, that due consideration has been given to the technical, environmental and economic feasibility of installing alternative energy systems in the proposed large building, and that the use of such systems has been taken into account, as far as practicable, in the design of that building.
(2) The alternative energy systems to be considered for the purposes of paragraph (1) shall include- (a) decentralised energy supply systems based on renewable energy, (b) combined heat and power systems, (c) district or block heating or cooling, if available, (d) heat pumps.
7. (1) A person who commissions the construction of a building of a class referred to in subparagraph (a) or (b) of paragraph (4) construction of which commences on or after such date specified for that class in the said subparagraphs shall, before such building is occupied for the first time, secure a BER certificate and advisory report in relation to the building and shall produce a printed copy of such BER certificate and advisory report to the building control authority in whose functional area the building is situated, on demand being made by that authority for its production.
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The Purpose of the measure |
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Arising from the Kyoto Protocol, the EU has set the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions as an important objective. Note that under the Kyoto Protocol Ireland must limit its average annual greenhouse gas emissions to 13% above 1990 levels over the 5 year period 2008 – 2012. The most significant greenhouse gas is CO2, primarily from energy use, much of which derives from energy use in buildings. Research has indicated that CO2 emissions from buildings across the EU could be reduced by 22% through improved energy efficiency.
The EU adopted the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive [2002/91/EC], known as the EPBD, in 2002. The EPBD contains a package of measures designed to secure a significant reduction in CO2 emissions from buildings.
SEI is supporting and funding the development of practical measures required for implementation of the EPBD including: · drafting of Building Energy Ratings (BER) and related Advisory Reports on how to upgrade the energy performance of buildings; · development of calculation/ inspection procedures and systems required in relation to energy assessment, BER, boilers and air-conditioning systems; · development, maintenance and upgrading of centralised national data in relation to buildings rated and facilities inspected pursuant to the Directive; · determination of qualifications, training and quality assurance for assessors and inspectors in consultation with relevant training authorities and professional bodies; · publicity / promotional measures to promote awareness of the requirements of the EPBD, and consultation with interested parties on implementation issues.
From 1 January 2007, an energy rating requirement for new dwellings, in the form of a Building Energy Rating (BER) certificate, has been introduced and is required by law. This certificate was introduced for new non domestic buildings from 1 July 2008 and for existing buildings when being let or sold from 1 January 2009. A BER gives an objective scale of comparison for the energy demand and CO2 performance of buildings. This will allow prospective tenants or buyers to objectively compare the energy performance of buildings and factor energy performance and costs into purchase or tenancy decisions. An advisory report attached to the BER certificate will set out cost effective ways of improving building energy performance for the information of building owners and landlords in planning future upgrade works.
A key motive behind the introduction of BER, with the accompanying Advisory Report, is to stimulate property owners and developers to invest in upgrading the energy performance of their buildings. This would typically cover some combination of: insulation of the building fabric, improved glazing, ventilation control, boilers and heating systems and, in the case of non-residential buildings, lighting systems.
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Eligibility Criteria |
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The requirement to provide a BER is as follows:
New dwellings: The regulations apply to new dwellings for which planning permission was applied for on or after 1st January 2007. All new homes (even when not for sale) must have a BER certificate before they are occupied.
New Non-Domestic Buildings: The regulations apply to new non-domestic buildings for which planning permission was applied for on or after 1st July 2008. Transitional BER exemptions will apply to new non-domestic buildings for which planning permission is applied on or before 30th June 2008 provided the new non-domestic buildings involved are substantially completed by 30th June 2010.
Existing Buildings: (dwellings and other buildings) when offered for sale or letting on or after 1st January 2009.
Large Public Service Buildings: A public body shall, in relation to a large building occupied by it on or after 1 January 2009, secure and display a BER certificate in a prominent place clearly visible to the public.
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Impact of Measure |
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Will improve energy performance of buildings over time.
BER ratings are positively influenced when DH systems are utilised. However, there are some issues with the DEAP software which is used to carry out Building Energy Ratings. These are outlined in Part 2: Needs/challenges, barriers, opportunities.
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Effectiveness of the measure |
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In October 2008 SEI released the following statistics:
· 82% of new homes that have published a Building Energy Rating (BER) certificate have achieved a B rating. · Of these 40% received B2s · 8% of all new homes received A ratings and · 10% received C ratings.
The number of ratings published as of 17th December 2009 on the National Administration System is as follows:
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