Better Energy Communities
The Programme
The BEC Scheme is a nationwide programme, designed to deliver cleaner, cheaper energy by upgrading existing homes and buildings, making them more energy efficient and less reliant on CO2 emitting fossil fuels.
It is an EU led initiative, overseen by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).
BEC grant approved upgrades and retrofits include wall, roof and floor insulation, door and window replacements, heat pumps and energy efficient lighting, in addition to the use of renewable energy in solar thermal and PV panels.
The BEC programme works with communities, providing funding and technical support with the aim of achieving viable, sustainable solutions to people’s energy needs.
Kingdom Installation has been involved in delivering BEC programmes to various community groups, sports facilities, private businesses and public sector organisations for the Last 10 years.
The BEC SEAI Scheme is a nationwide programme, designed to deliver cleaner, cheaper energy by upgrading existing homes and buildings, making them more energy efficient and less reliant on CO2 emitting fossil fuels.
Enjoy grants of up to
€40,000
for homes, and from up to 30%-50% for non-domestic buildings
About the Grant Scheme
Who benefits?
The aim is to deliver energy savings to:
- Homeowners
- Community groups
- Private sector organisations
- Public sector bodies
Communities are improving the energy efficiency of shared community buildings such as GAA clubs, libraries and sports halls. Commercial organisations are becoming more competitive through reduced energy costs. In addition, homes are being upgraded making them more comfortable and helping alleviate the effects of energy poverty.
Upgrades can take place across building types to reduce energy use and costs throughout the community.
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 that is supported 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.
How the Programme works
All projects should be community oriented with a cross-sectoral approach, and Kingdom Installation Ltd as Project Co-ordinators must show that we can sustainably finance the proposed project.
A Project Co-ordinator manages the entire process from project submission, grant application and delivery of contractor works.
Partnership is essential for a successful community energy project.
Project Coordinators must include a diverse selection of organisations as part of their application. Examples include:
- GAA clubs and other sports facilities
- Local authorities
- Retail outlets
- Factories
- Community centres
- Not-for-profit organisations and charities
- Hotels
- Public sector facilties and schools
By bringing together groups of buildings under the same retrofit programme, community-wide energy improvements can be achieved more efficiently and cost effectively than might otherwise be possible.
How to get involved
If you are a business owner, local community service operator, Approved Housing Body, homeowner or retail owner, we advise that you get in touch with us to act as a project coordinator.
