Mr. Se?n Armstrong:

-----in supporting existing buildings. Any work that affects more than 25% of a building's surface area will be subject to major renovation requirements and will be required to achieve a B2 rating or the cost-optimal level. There is a standard. As to why it is not the same A2 standard as applies to nearly-zero energy buildings, it is much more challenging to retrofit existing buildings, particularly traditional and heritage buildings.

The fabric of the building is much more sensitive to retrofit technologies and modern insulation materials. There is the potential to damage existing buildings if they are not treated in the right way. The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is producing a guidance document on energy efficiency in traditional buildings . Our heritage division is leading this. It will support people retrofitting existing buildings. Because of the technical difficulties involved in existing buildings, it is more challenging to achieve an A energy rating. The performance requirements for existing buildings are not the same as new buildings due to those technical difficulties right now. In the energy performance of buildings directive the target is to bring our entire building stock to zero emissions buildings by 2050. Even in the European legislation it is recognised that a longer timeframe is needed for existing buildings because of the complexity involved. There are performance requirements and it is more challenging. The performance requirements are constantly reviewed and we will do so again this summer. However, because of technical complexity, it would not be feasible to have them the same as for new buildings, right now.

Retrofit is a key measure in the climate action plan to help us achieve our targets. It is 500,000 dwellings by 2030. That comes under the remit of the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications. It is clearly identified as a key measure in the climate action plan. With regards to progress against targets, we can give the updates for the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and our social housing retrofit which is on target