A Europe-wide plea has been made to strength legislation governing energy efficiency in construction.

The Irish Construction Industry Federation has supported the call, which has seen governments across the EU being urged to pass tougher laws on carbon emissions.

Federation President Hank Fogarty has called for greater energy efficiency in the building of houses and apartments.

Addressing a Dublin conference, organised by a continental representative body, focused on sustainability and energy efficiency, Mr Fogarty said: "The focus on energy and energy usage due to the ongoing concerns regarding climate change and rising cost of oil provides a unique opportunity for the Irish government and indeed their partners in Europe to support policy aimed at greater energy efficiency in buildings."

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Other speakers at the conference included Finance Minister Brian Lenihan, Environment Minister John Gormley, as well as leaders of Irish and European construction companies.

The federation has said 1.4 million houses in Ireland do not meet current building regulations, with almost 840,000 homes built before any regulations existed.

Mr Fogarty said: "Priority should be given to the retro-fitting these buildings to bring them to equal standard of newly-built homes, in terms of energy efficiency."

The Federation President warned, if Ireland fails to embrace renewable energies and technologies, industry would fall well behind growing economies within Asia.

"The challenges that exist with regard to climate change also provide opportunities, if we are brave enough and innovative enough to embrace them," Mr Fogarty added.

(PR/JM)