Mr. Se?n Armstrong:

Under the building regulations, where a building is undergoing a major renovation that affects more than 25% of its surface area, it should achieve a B2 energy rating or the cost-optimal equivalent. Some 25% of a building's surface is a significant renovation. Installing a heating pump will help someone readily achieve a B2 rating but it is still possible to achieve that rating with an efficient oil or gas boiler.

The B2 performance requirement for major renovations is being reviewed as part of our cost-optimal exercise, which is required under the energy performance of buildings directive. We will publish those revised cost-optimal calculations in the second or third quarter of this year. We expect them to show an advancement of the B2 requirement, which will push us towards the introduction of a renewable requirement for major renovations in the building regulations.