Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government Phil Hogan, TD, and Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Pat Rabbitte, TD, have launched a public consultation on low-carbon roadmapping in the built environment.

A sectoral roadmap for the built environment, for incorporation in due course into a National Low-Carbon Roadmap to 2050, is now being developed.

As part of the process, it is necessary to frame a low-carbon vision for the sector, and evaluate robust and cost-effective options for delivery of that vision. The 2012 policy analysis report by the Secretariat to the National Economic and Social Council – Ireland and the Climate Change Challenge: Connecting 'How Much' with 'How To', identified energy efficiency as a key route to carbon efficiency and a spur to economic growth.

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In response, both Ministers are keen to explore opportunities and consider ideas to deepen progress on low-carbon transition in the built environment through the roadmapping process.

Following through on his commitment to transparency and inclusiveness in the national low-carbon transition agenda, Minister Hogan said: "It is important to know how the various stakeholders, including the general public, see both the challenge and the way forward in the built environment. It is still early in the whole low-carbon roadmapping process, and Minister Rabbitte and I want to ensure that we identify and consider all options.

"Feedback from stakeholders will be a valuable input in deciding on the policies to be included and prioritised in the sectoral roadmap, and we want to hear from them through this consultation."

Later in the year, an open consultation on the draft National Low-Carbon Roadmap to 2050 and draft Strategic Environmental Assessment will provide another opportunity for stakeholder engagement.

"By grasping the opportunity to upgrade the energy efficiency of the built environment we can make our homes and businesses more comfortable, healthier and cost effective to run, all while supporting employment in the domestic economy.

"Over the coming months our two Departments will be evaluating the range of options available and I encourage all interested parties to participate in this consultation and let us know your views on what is achievable in Ireland," commented Minister Rabbitte.

(CD)