As Ireland moves towards a more sustainable future, legislation and regulations surrounding energy-efficient building practices continue to evolve. This page provides an overview of the key legislative developments and initiatives that are shaping the landscape for Passive House and low-energy construction in Ireland.

Building Regulations

Part L - Conservation of Fuel and Energy

The cornerstone of energy efficiency regulations in Ireland is the Building Regulations Technical Guidance Document (TGD) Part L. As of 2025, it requires:

• A 60% reduction in energy performance and carbon emissions for new dwellings compared to 2005 standards.

• All new buildings to be Nearly Zero Energy Buildings (NZEB).

While not explicitly mandating Passive House standards, these regulations align closely with Passive House principles and push the construction industry towards higher energy efficiency targets.

Local Authority Initiatives

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council

In a groundbreaking move, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council adopted a policy in 2016 requiring all new buildings in their jurisdiction to meet the Passive House standard or demonstrably equivalent levels. This progressive stance has set a precedent for other local authorities and demonstrates the growing recognition of Passive House as a viable solution for sustainable construction.

Future Legislation

Zero-Emission Buildings (ZEB)

Looking ahead, from 2030, all new buildings in Ireland must be zero-emission buildings (ZEB). This upcoming regulation will further push construction towards and beyond Passive House standards, emphasizing the importance of highly energy-efficient building practices.

As the Passive House Association of Ireland, we are committed to keeping our members informed about these legislative developments and advocating for policies that promote energy-efficient, comfortable, and sustainable buildings across the country.