Healthy Homes Ireland Retrofit

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Healthy Homes Ireland, in partnership with the Irish Green Building Council and VELUX, hosted a pivotal breakfast event in Dublin this summer, highlighting the urgent need for retrofitting homes to enhance both mental and physical well-being.

The event spotlighted the latest Healthy Buildings Barometer, an annual report by VELUX and BPIE (Building Performance Institute Europe), which assesses the state of housing across the EU. This year’s findings are particularly concerning for Ireland, emphasising the critical need for accelerated retrofitting efforts.

 

Key Findings for Ireland:

  • Renovation Needs: Ireland’s required renovation rate is +2900%, significantly higher than the EU’s +1400%.
  • Damp Issues: A 22% increase in damp problems has been reported in Irish homes.
  • Daylight Deficiency: Around 275,000 Irish residents live without sufficient daylight in their homes.
  • Indoor Air Quality: 25% of Europeans, including a substantial number in Ireland, live in buildings with substandard indoor air quality.
  • Positive Trend: A 13.5% reduction in CO2 emissions in Ireland was observed from 2015 to 2020.

Dr. Caroline Düvier from BPIE presented these findings, emphasising the need for urgent action: “Ireland is lagging behind the EU in renovating homes to make them healthier. With rising issues like dampness and insufficient daylight, immediate steps are essential to improve the living conditions across the country.”

The event featured insightful panel discussions focusing on the critical areas of concern in Irish homes and proposed actionable recommendations to enhance the health and sustainability of residential buildings.

Dr. Ola Løkken Nordrum, representing Irish Doctors for the Environment, underscored the direct connection between housing quality and health. He noted, “Our homes should be sanctuaries for health, but for many in Ireland, they are not. Issues like air pollution, dampness, and lack of sunlight are rampant. Awareness is the first step, but action must follow. Healthier homes mean healthier lives.”

Kevin O’Rourke, Chair of Healthy Homes Ireland, echoed these sentiments, calling for immediate governmental action. He stated, “Our research, including the ‘Towards Healthier Greener Homes’ report, clearly shows the profound impact of housing quality on well-being. We need swift and decisive action to ensure that everyone in Ireland can live in a healthy, green home. Investing in this now will not only improve health outcomes but also reduce future healthcare costs.”

We at AOCA Ltd offer private clients comprehensive services for building and extensions, providing tailored solutions that meet individual needs and budgets. We specialise in both structural and civil engineering, ensuring projects are not only aesthetically pleasing but also structurally sound and sustainable. We at AOCA Ltd handle everything from initial design and planning to project management and final certification, making the process seamless for our clients. Please call us on 01  4243035 /057 86 63244 or send an email to info@aoca.ie, if you require any further information.