A high level overview of the requirements for a successful Better Energy Communities funding application and project.
How to apply
The deadline for applications to the Community Grants programme 2020 was 1pm on the 31st January 2020. We are now closed for applications.
Before making your online application, please ensure you familiarise yourself with our application process and guidelines for 2020.
Standards and requirements
In order to secure funding, we require that each project follows the standards and requirements outlined below.
- Prescribed standards – SEAI Contractor Code of Practice and Building Regulations
- All contractors should be registered with SEAI (where applicable)
- Optimal solution must be implemented
- A Post BER rating of B2 is SEAI’s minimum, as per the new Part L of the building regulations.Homes which do not achieve a minimum C1 and do not have a valid reason for not achieving B2 will be refused grant funding
- Representative sample of BERs required at application stage
- A pre BER and post BER should be published for all homes, this will be supported under BEC
What we fund
Projects supported
Successful Community projects must demonstrate some or all of the following characteristics.
- Community benefits
- Multiple elements, not a single focus
- Mix of sustainable solutions
- Innovation and project ambition
- Justified energy savings
- An ability to deliver the project
Measures supported
This list outlines the types of measures we want to support through the Communities grant programme.
- Building Fabric Upgrades
- Technology and System upgrades
- Integration of Control Systems
- Integration of renewable energy sources
- Domestic Combined Fabric Upgrade
- Single Building Demonstration projects will be considered under the Communities Grant.
Partnership and Timeframes
Partnership
Partnership is essential for a successful application. You should seek partnership from organisations that fall into the eligible categories. These partnerships can be assisted by SEAI if required.
Innovative and pioneering partnerships between sectors are encouraged. This might include collaborations between public and private sectors, residential and non-residential sectors, commercial and not-for-profit organisations, or financing entities and energy suppliers. Projects that are part of a larger energy efficiency project or that engage with other SEAI programmes are welcome.
Timeframe
The programme is run annually through a competitive process. Once applications are closed, we then review what projects will be supported under the scheme.
BEC 2020 funding levels
Residential
| Home type | Fuel type | Funding Level |
|---|---|---|
| Private | Fuel Poor | Up to 80% |
| Private | Non-Fuel Poor | Up to 35% |
| Local Authority | Up to 35% | |
| Housing Association | Up to 50% |
Non-residential
| Type | Funding level |
|---|---|
| Not-for-profit/community | Up to 50% |
| Private and public sector | Up to 30% |
| Public sector (exemplar) | > 30% ≤ 50% |
Presentation on how to complete the Technical Workbook
Downloads
- Communities Grant Tracker
- Communities Grant Guidelines
- Communities Workshop November 2019
- Communities Workshop Energy Audits
- SEAI Energy Audit Handbook
- Technical Workbook
- ACA Declaration
- Assessor Declaration of Independence
- Communities Domestic Inspection Request Log
- Domestic Reworks Declaration
- Project Completion Report
- PV Credits Domestic Calculator
- BEC Financial Documentation
- Beneficiary Acceptance of Grant Offer
- Client Organisation Declaration
- Beneficiary Confirmation of Grant Receipt
- Data Consent Form
- NZEB and Major Renovation
Contact us
Call 01 808 2162
Email bec@seai.ie