Householders' views on the best energy efficiency retrofit incentive mechanisms

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) administers the Better Energy Homes (BEH) grant scheme for energy efficiency retrofits of residential properties. Grants are available for a variety of energy efficiency measures (e.g. insulation, heating controls, etc.) with the grant aid covering approximately 35% of the cost of eligible measures.  The grant scheme is administered as a ‘cash back’ payment once retrofit work is verified as completed to an approved standard.  This research investigates whether other types of subsidy support (e.g. upfront discounts, tax credits, etc.) might be more attractive to households and encourage greater investment in residential energy efficiency.