Abstract
Extended abstract 9-214-26
Ireland’s commitment to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, and to reduce emissions by 51% by 2030, requires transformative change in all areas of society. The commercial and industry sector will play a critical role in this transition, yet operate in a complex policy environment that include gaps, conflicts and overlaps. Research by the International Energy Agency found that the greatest energy efficiency gains can be achieved by a package of policies combining three mechanisms; regulation, information and incentives. Understanding the current landscape and developing a cohesive policy package are essential to ensuring effective business-sector decarbonisation.
This paper presents the key policy package recommendations for the business sector in Ireland. In addition, it will review the approach to systematic mapping and analysis of energy‑efficiency and decarbonisation policies. This methodology comprised of four key steps. First, the study mapped the full suite of existing policies, categorising them by responsible agency, sector, activity, time period, and technological maturity. Second, it conducted a systems mapping to understand the dependencies, barriers, drivers, and enablers for policies affecting three strategic business activities; industrial heating, commercial buildings and data centres. Third, through consultation with businesses, it identified where gaps exist in the current policy landscape. Finally, drawing on international examples, it proposed an enhanced policy landscape that will support Ireland’s in meeting their climate goals.
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