The first instalment of the EPBD Country Insights series turns the lens on Ireland and its strong and timely start on EPBD transposition. 

Ireland’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) reform stands out for its clarity. The previous 15-class scale has been streamlined into a simple A0–G system; certificates carry the full set of mandatory indicators required by the EPBD; and a national life-cycle global warming potential (GWP) methodology has been adopted ahead of the EU’s own delegated regulation. Transposition of the main EPC provisions was completed on time, and quality controls for assessors are backed by grants to support vulnerable households. 

Yet the analysis also identifies where Ireland could go further: for instance, by including an A+ class to incentivise residential electrification, stronger links between EPCs and renovation passports, and more. 

Published during the Irish Council Presidency, this analysis arrives at a moment when Ireland has an opportunity to steer EU energy debates from a position of credibility. It is the first report in a series of publications designed to surface the positive EPBD implementation stories that exist across Europe, even where full transposition remains incomplete. 

About this series 

The EPBD Country Insights series examines how Member States are approaching transposition and implementation of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive. At the time of publication, no country has yet fully transposed the EPBD, but positive examples exist across Europe. This series surfaces them, finds insights worth sharing and offers an honest assessment of where progress is needed.