The construction of energy-efficient homes must be encouraged by the Government with financial incentives, it was claimed yesterday.
The use of energy in homes accounts for around 28 per cent of all energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in Ireland, more than either transport or industry.
Labour Party Environment spokesman Eamon Gilmore said that there was a need to encourage people to install solar panels, ground-heat pumps and even small hydro-turbines in their homes and buildings.
