COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, December 08, 2025

QUESTION NO. 15

QUESTION: Councillor E. Ó Broin

To ask the Chief Executive if he has carried out any analysis of which heating systems have the lowest life cycle costs for tenants in new build SDCC social housing?

REPLY:

No dedicated analysis has been carried out to determine the life cycle costs of heating system types in SDCC’s new build social housing. Social housing is delivered to a minimum BER rating specified in the design and tender documentation and under a variety of contract types. The performance of individual heating plant and equipment installed can vary from device to device, according to the specification of the individual unit required to meet the specified BER rating.  

All new-build social housing under our remit is delivered to an 'A' BER rating, and this rating encompasses all elements withing the building fabric, including the selected heating system. The most appropriate and efficient system is selected (typically an air-source heat pump system for new-builds) at the detailed design stage in order to meet the specified requirements with regard to the most energy and cost efficient solution.

Modern low carbon heating technologies such as air to water heat pumps offer clear advantages over traditional fossil fuel-based systems when evaluated on a whole of life basis.

Based on a brief cost analysis of an air-source heat pump unit vs a high-efficiency condensing gas boiler, it is expected that the air-source heat pump with result in a saving in whole life cost (including running costs to the occupant) of approximately 20% during the lifetime of the unit. While there is a higher initial installation cost associated with the heat pump, the longer lifespan / warranty, as well as the lower ongoing maintenance costs outweigh this initial capital outlay over its lifetime.

Importantly, the adoption of such technologies contributes to compliance with Part L of the Building Regulations and supports compliance with other standards in conjunction with highly efficient building fabric elements.