Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 336: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the average energy saving achieved per house in the warmer homes scheme since 2001; if his Department has a minimum standard of energy efficiency which must be achieved to be eligible for funding under the warmer homes scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8664/07]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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The Warmer Homes Scheme (WHS) is administered by Sustainable Energy Ireland, and comprises the part funding of Community Based Organisations (CBOs) to install energy efficiency measures in low income households. The subject homes are identified by CBOs, often in consultation with other community welfare agencies.

A typical house in receipt of energy efficiency measures under the Warmer Homes Scheme might be experiencing heat losses in one or more of the following areas:

Roof: up to 20% of heat lost from a home is lost through the roof.

Walls: as much as 25% of the heat lost from a house can be lost through the walls.

Draughts: badly fitting windows and external doors can account for more than one-sixth of heat loss.

Possible remedies to the above heat losses are provided by the CBOs through the installation of substantial measures including attic insulation, cavity wall insulation (in some areas, and where technically appropriate) and draught proofing of external windows and doors. The CBOs also implement lesser measures including the provision CFL bulbs and lagging jackets to each home addressed.

The measures are installed based on the particular needs and construction of the individual house. A typical house in receipt of these measures is estimated to experience a energy savings of approximately 20% in energy costs. Houses that receive all measures will experience substantially higher energy savings of approximately 40%.

SEI is currently involved in a project with a range of Government Departments and agencies, investigating the impact of energy efficiency improvements in low income households from the perspective of health, comfort, cost, environment and quality of life.

There is no minimum standard of energy efficiency which must be achieved to be eligible for funding under the Warmer Homes Scheme (WHS). Funding is provided to the CBOs and the work undertaken based on their technical assessment of the needs of the individual house. Measures are installed based on the particular needs and construction of the individual house.