Energy poverty could rise among renters in Dublin city unless landlords make their properties more energy efficient, according to Codema's new report published today.

The Dublin City Spatial Energy Demand Analysis highlighted how escalating rents, combined with a large number of properties in the city with poor energy ratings, has meant that more tenants are at risk of not being able to heat or power their homes to an adequate degree.

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Figures obtained by Codema show that of the Building Energy Ratings (BERs) listed as rental properties in Dublin city, almost half of these (48%) have a rating of D or lower.

Author of the report and Strategic Sustainable Energy Planner with Codema, Donna Gartland, said: "The biggest problem with many apartments, bed-sits and flats in the city is that they are rented and the tenants cannot make the big changes required to reduce their energy costs. There are no incentives for landlords to upgrade the energy efficiency of their properties, especially in the current market where there is a lack of rental properties available.

"With rents at a premium at the moment, the affordability of energy in these poorly-insulated rented dwellings could increase the number of people experiencing energy poverty."

(CD/MH)