Irish homes pump out 8.1 tonnes of CO2

Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) has found that the average Irish household produced 8.1 tonnes of CO2 in 2006 - the most recent year available for data collection.


The SEI report entitled Energy in the Residential Sector analysed the level of energy used for heating, cooking, cleaning, washing, drying, lighting, cooling and entertainment systems.

Direct fuel use is responsible for some 4.8 tonnes of CO2 emissions, while the remaining carbon output is a result of upstream emissions from electricity usage, the report states.

In addition, from 1990 to 2006, the average household electricity use per person increased by 62% and average energy use per dwelling was 27% above the average for the UK in 2006.

However, the report highlighted the fact that there had been a 15% improvement in energy efficiency in the sector from 1995 to 2006.

“Overall, this report has shown that a significant improvement has been made in energy efficiency over the past decade,” Brian Motherway, head of industry at SEI, said.

“This is largely the result of improving insulation standards brought about by various iterations of the Building Regulations.”

Mr Motherway went on to add that building energy ratings would further improve the country’s performance.

The SEI is the statutory authority that looks to promote and assist the development of sustainable energy.

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