Schneider Electric, the global energy technology leader, recently launched research based on Freedom of Information (FOI) data from 24 of Ireland’s 31 local authorities, revealing strong commitment to decarbonising their buildings and estates. The findings point to a gap between climate ambition and the system capacity required to deliver it. Despite this, 71% are confident they will meet the country’s 2050 climate action plan targets.
The findings show local authorities have focused on energy efficiency improvements, with 83% of councils investing in building retrofits and a further 67% deploying smart building technologies. But investment in cleaner energy and electrification has lagged, with less than half (46%) investing in these areas to power council properties and housing.
Despite investments by 58% of councils in projects including EV charging, solar PV and LED street lighting, fossil fuels are still the main source of energy. They account for up to 65% of energy consumption across the majority of councils (17).
While there is clear intent to electrify the built environment, all councils indicated budget constraints are limiting the transition from efficiency gains to full electrification, with half also citing technology and grid constraints as barriers.
A further 58% of councils state that organisational culture and awareness remain barriers to scaling electrification and renewables across sites. These findings raise questions about the ability to meet decarbonisation targets in line with the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), which will shortly be transposed to Irish Law – with only half confident they will deliver fully decarbonised buildings by 2050.
Commenting on the FOI findings, Rhonda Doyle, Country President of Schneider Electric Ireland, said: “Local authorities are making strong progress, but this is not an ambition gap – it reflects constraints in infrastructure, funding and system capacity. Efficiency improvements are advancing, but without grid access, investment and incentives, electrification will not scale. Addressing these barriers will be critical to delivering net zero targets.”
