Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses. It is a very interesting discussion. Some of the key points I am taking from it as regards ongoing evaluation of nearly zero energy building standard, NZEB, or retrofitted buildings is crucial for so many different reasons, some of which have been covered. Given our poor record regarding buildings being delivered to the standard set out in regulation, and the lack of monitoring of the construction of houses over a lengthy period, in addition to self-regulation and the deficiencies that has presented us with, the concept of a renovation passport or carbon statement for NZEB buildings is key. There is a consumer effect to the provision of such a certificate or passport because it will make a property more desirable since it will have lower energy consumption and improved carbon credentials, particularly when it comes to such a property changing hands.

I will go back to another element of this discussion, namely, that of quality control. Is that solely with the SEAI or is there a sectoral responsibility, outside any consumer responsibility, for it to actually deliver properties that pass these checks? It occurs to me that the BER assessments operate on assumption, in my experience. Perhaps this is a question for Mr. Barry. They assume the regulatory standards have been met, there are certain levels of insulation here and there, and there are seals here and there, whereas much of the time those are not present and that is a problem. I have come across it. I bought a home containing pyrite in 2005. I bought another home in 2018 that, when I stripped back plasterboard, had very clearly not been delivered to standard. I have a concern regarding the continuation of self-regulation in the building sector.

My final point might not be one in respect of which Mr. Barry can provide an answer directly but he may have a view on it. It concerns the capacity of, for example, the timber sector to step up and deliver on the move away from concrete as the primary product. Mr. Barry mentioned that 90% of properties are built using concrete. That feeds into the other elements mentioned in the opening statements in respect of the likes of hemp and other means of providing natural insulation within properties. There are a lot of points there but maybe a few remarks could be made on my observations.