A recent SEAI report shows a modest but meaningful uptick in home energy upgrades during Q1 2025—11,910 upgrades completed, a 2% rise year-on-year—and €76 million invested across grant schemes
Here are the key outcomes:
- Over 5,100 homes upgraded to a BER B2 or higher (slightly down, -1%)
- Fully funded upgrades for 1,350 energy-poor households (+14%)
- Supported 765 heat pump installations
- Estimated savings: 29.47 GWh of energy and 15 kilotonnes of CO₂
What This Means for SMEs and Energy Efficiency
1. Momentum Is Building—but We Can Accelerate the Pace
While Q1 shows progress, Ireland still has miles to go to meet its ambitious climate targets. For SMEs, this isn’t just about social responsibility—it’s about operational resilience.
2. Opportunities Beyond Homes
The focus on homes highlights public awareness—but businesses can also benefit. Grant schemes like SEAI’s Business Energy Upgrade Scheme (BEUS) offer funding for commercial upgrades—such as heat pumps, solar PV systems, and LED lighting
3. Social Inclusion Meets Business Sense
The strong increase (+14%) in energy upgrades for vulnerable households shows that energy efficiency can drive social value and business value simultaneously. SMEs that invest in similar upgrades can use them to reduce costs, bolster reputation, and align with ESG expectations.
What SMEs Can Do Now
| Step | Action | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Audit Now | Conduct an energy efficiency audit | Identify immediate savings in lighting, heating, controls |
| 2. Apply for Grants | Seek BEUS or SEAI support | Receive up to 30% funding for measures like heat pumps or solar |
| 3. Prioritise ROI | Shop for A/B-rated appliances | Reduce running costs significantly over time |
| 4. Track Impacts | Monitor energy use post-implementation | Capture cost savings and carbon reductions |
| 5. Communicate Wins | Share sustainability results | Build brand, meet ESG expectations, prepare for future mandates |
EfficiencyDoctors.ie Can Help
At EfficiencyDoctors.ie, we guide SMEs through:
- Tailored energy audits and benchmarking
- Grant navigation and application support
- Cost-saving implementation (LED, HVAC, controls)
- Post-upgrade tracking and verification
Final Thought
Q1’s retrofit data is welcome news—especially for homeowners and energy-poor households. But SMEs can be part of the energy efficiency rise too.
If you’re ready to translate energy savings into real business value, let’s start the conversation.
Efficiency Doctors 