Irish Building Stock Observatory – Communication of Next Generation Robust Machine Learning Generated Housing Stock Model to inform construction industry and climate policy

This project investigated the state of Irish housing stock and its energy efficiency. It examined how many dwellings built before thermal regulations had yet to be energetically refurbished and assessed the number of cavity walls that had been insulated. The study also determined the percentage of roofs that were well insulated.

Additionally, the research identified dwelling types that were difficult to decarbonize and explored the reasons behind these challenges. It analyzed the rate of thermal refurbishment, focusing on how many homes were retrofitted to a B2 energy rating in the last year.

Potential retrofit opportunities were explored, including the role of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) in these efforts. The project also looked at how the industry could prepare for these opportunities and identified areas where retrofit methods were reaching saturation.