SEAI launch ‘Housewarming’, a new lifestyle podcast exploring real-life energy upgrade stories across Ireland

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) is excited to launch ‘Housewarming’, a brand-new lifestyle podcast. It will give listeners an insight into real Irish homeowners as they transform the energy efficiency of their homes for a more sustainable future, lowering their energy bills and improving their quality of life in the process. The podcast, which goes live on Tuesday 30 September, will also hear guests tell their renovation stories, discuss design visions, favourite corners of their homes, and everyday sustainable habits, from upcycling treasures to growing their own fruit and vegetables.  

Hosted by SEAI’s Kim Buckley, the 10-part series will feature visits to homeowners across the country who have availed of Government funded energy upgrade grants through SEAI registered One Stop Shops. Kim will also chat with well-known figures including influencers, James Kavanagh and Fionnula Jones; architect and RTÉ Room to Improve presenter, Dermot Bannon; Leinster rugby player, Ryan Baird; podcasters, Kate O’Driscoll and Jenny Sheahan, and design and build director and former co-host of RTÉ’s Cheap Irish Homes, Kieran McCarthy.  

The series will feature a diverse range of property types, lifestyles and energy upgrade journeys. From a traditional cottage in Sligo, to a semi-detached home in Dublin’s suburbs - there is something to learn for everyone who tunes in. These real-life homeowner stories give practical inspiration for listeners on how they can create a warmer, more energy efficient place to live.

Tom Halpin, Head of Communications at SEAI said: “We’re very excited to launch our new podcast series, Housewarming. Our aim is to help households across Ireland to understand the steps they can take towards creating a more comfortable and sustainable home, while also discussing their broader renovation journey! At SEAI, we are passionate about making sustainable energy choices accessible to everyone and that is the essence of this new podcast. The exceptional line-up of guests sharing their upgrade stories, practical insights, and expert advice should make it interesting to everyone whether you’re just considering your options or already started your energy upgrade journey.”

Episode Highlights:

• Irish influencer James Kavanagh talks about his current experience of restoring an old country house in Kilkenny with his partner William, while German native, Ellie Hagneau, discusses her cottage restoration in Cork – she spent her fifth date with her boyfriend taking part in demolishing works on her dream country cottage.
• Fionnuala Jones, podcaster, presenter and sustainability enthusiast from Cork talks about embarking on the upgrade journey of her Dublin semi-detached home, while homeowner, Niamh Kent chats through the process of purchasing her once damp and chilly home from her landlord and transforming it into an energy efficient one in Jacobs Island, Cork.  
• Leinster Rugby player, Ryan Baird chats through the process of embarking on a retrofit of his 1990s home in Blackrock, Dublin, while Kieran McCarthy, Design and Build Director and former co-host of RTÉ’s Cheap Irish Homes gives expert advice on the key things homeowners should know about upgrading their homes from heat pumps to BER ratings. This comes as Kieran is set to host a new deep-retrofit show on RTÉ this Autumn, supported by SEAI.  
• Sligo homeowner, Hilda O’Shea gives an insight into the current deep-retrofit of her 300-year cottage, an experience made all the more memorable by the fact that Hilda is expecting her first baby at the time of recording and living on a temporary caravan onsite.
• Rip it Up podcast hosts and former RTÉ Home of the Year contestants, Kate O’Driscoll and Jenny Sheehan demystify the entire renovation journey, from finding the right house, all the way through the renovation process, from picking a builder, to choosing wallpaper.
• RTÉ Room to Improve presenter, Dermot Bannon talks about aesthetic design and home energy upgrades; how to make your home energy efficient while staying true to your interior style. He also shares his own sustainable habits and what he thinks the home of the future will look like. 

SEAI’s Housewarming podcast will go live on Tuesday 30 September, with episodes set to be released on a weekly basis.