Policy Support: There is a clear need to strengthen support mechanisms that address the financial and technical barriers. Simplifying access to grants and providing one-stop advisory services for SMEs can greatly lower the entry hurdles for businesses to undertake retrofits. Incentive programs should not only focus on energy cost savings but also recognise and reward the broader benefits of deep renovations – for example, by factoring in co-benefits like comfort, resilience, and increased asset value into grant criteria.
Strategic Approaches: The results indicate that a flexible, phased renovation approach can help SMEs align energy upgrades with their business cycles and reduce disruption. For instance, policies could encourage using natural trigger points (such as vacancy periods or lease changes) to implement deeper measures and develop disruption-mitigation toolkits (guidance on phased works, night/weekend construction, etc.) to help businesses manage retrofits with minimal downtime.
Quality and Performance: To ensure effective outcomes, the sector must invest in skills and accountability. Setting standards or requirements for using qualified retrofit professionals (and linking grant eligibility to the same) would improve project quality and confidence. Moreover, monitoring actual building performance post-renovation is critical – measures like wider use of Display Energy Certificates (DECs) and energy audits alongside BER ratings can give a more accurate picture of results and build a data-driven case for renovations.
In summary, Ireland’s SME commercial property sector holds significant opportunities for energy renovation that can drive climate progress, cost savings, and business value. Achieving this potential will require integrated efforts: lowering financial and knowledge barriers, promoting long-term planning and innovation in retrofit solutions, and aligning policy incentives with real-world outcomes. By implementing these insights – from technical quick wins to strategic support frameworks – stakeholders can substantially accelerate the rate of energy upgrades in SME businesses, delivering benefits for companies, the economy, and the environment.
