A high level overview of the requirements for a successful Better Energy Communities funding application and project.
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.
Find a Project CoordinatorHow to apply
The deadline for applications for 2021 is 12pm 29th January 2021
Before making your online application, please ensure you familiarise yourself with our application process and guidelines.
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
- All domestic buildings completed must deliver a minimum BER uplift of 100 kWh/m²/yr.
- 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
BEC 2021 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% | |
| Private Rented Homes | Up to 35% | |
| Housing Association | Up to 50% |
Non-residential
| Type | Funding level |
|---|---|
| Not-for-profit/community | 30% Up to 50% (may be available subject to state aid rules and SEAI approval in advance) |
| Private and public sector | Up to 30% |
| Public sector (exemplar) | > 30% ≤ 50% |
Presentation on how to complete the Technical Workbook
Downloads
- Communities Technical Workbook 2021
- Communities Grant Tracker
- Communities Grant Guidelines
- Communities Workshop November 2019
- Communities Workshop Energy Audits
- SEAI Energy Audit Handbook
- ACA Declaration
- Assessor Declaration of Independence
- Communities Domestic Inspection Request Log
- Domestic Reworks Declaration
- Project Completion Report
- BEC Financial Documentation
- Beneficiary Acceptance of Grant Offer
- Client Organisation Declaration
- Beneficiary Confirmation of Grant Receipt
- Data Consent Form
- NZEB and Major Renovation
- SEC Letter of Support
Contact us
Call 01 808 2162
Email bec@seai.ie