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'Homes of the Future' - Eco Eye series 15

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Duncan Stewart looks at the need to upgrade Ireland's building stock, for more comfortable and less expensive homes and to diminish Ireland's carbon emissions. He explores new passive house developments, the deep retrofit process, and the challenges Ireland faces in this endeavour.

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Even though landfill usage in Ireland has dramatically reduced, we're still producing enormous amounts of waste. Some is shipped abroad, some recycled, some will go to Dublins new incinerator yet plastic is still turning up in our water and our food.

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Buying goods or services in Ireland provides certain rights under Irish consumer legislation. Tips on how to complain effectively.

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WEEE Ireland today announced that they will charge on with their electrifying fundraising partnership with LauraLynn, Ireland's Children's Hospice. Their renewed commitment for a further 5 years will see them donate vital funds to the organisation as an incentive for the recycling of waste batteries until at least 2022. Alongside WEEE...

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Make big savings in 2017 with our Budget Calculator

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Looking to make savings in 2017? Manage your household income and expenses with our user-friendly budget calculator; discover ways to save.

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The Money Advice and Budgeting Service is the State's money advice service, guiding people through dealing with problem debt for more than twenty years.

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Expert testing, reviews and advice from Which? - Which?

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Which? works for you reviewing products and services, so that you make the best purchase decisions for your needs.

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Citizensinformation.ie is an Irish eGovernment website developed by the Citizens Information Board. The site provides information on public services and entitlements in Ireland.

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A New Generation of EU Energy Labels

Lighting products are following in the footsteps of other electrical appliances that have been benefitting from the new energy label since March 2021.

The Consumers' Association of Ireland

The Consumers' Association of Ireland is an independent, non-profit, non-governmental organisation, registered with charitable status and working on behalf of Irish consumers.

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Consumers' Association of Ireland | Protecting Irish Consumers

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An independent, non-profit, non-governmental organisation, registered with charitable status and working on behalf of Irish consumers.

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ECO-UNESCO is Ireland's Environmental Education and Youth Organisation affiliated to the World Federation of UNESCO Clubs, Centres and Associations (WFUCA)

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Before engaging with the programme we recommend that teachers take a look at the Teacher's Handbook. The handbook provides background information on the Green Home Programme, what the programme aims to achieve and how to implement the programme. The Green Home themes of Waste, Energy, Transport and Water are also outlined in this handbook.

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Water is one of our most valuable resources in Ireland. Making a few small changes to the way we use water in our homes can save water, energy and money.

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BBC - Design Rules - 5/6 - Interior Planning

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Design Rules, Colour, Episode 2 of 6, BBC, 2003. Narrated by Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen. The playlist: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLz92k7gg9AcYHbvRJf1JD1sFcnE-xlmd2

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BBC - Design Rules - 4/6 - Pattern And Texture

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Design Rules, Pattern And Texture, Episode 4 of 6, BBC, 2003. Narrated by Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen. The playlist: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLz92k7gg9AcYHbvRJf1JD1sFcnE-xlmd2

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Design Rules, Lighting, Episode 3 of 6, BBC, 2003. Narrated by Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen. The playlist: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLz92k7gg9AcYHbvRJf1JD1sFcnE-xlmd2

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Furniture & Home Furnishings | IKEA Ireland

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Shop with us for well-designed furniture at low prices at your local IKEA store. Everything you need for your home under one roof.

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Download the Visualizer app for free on your smartphone or tablet and see the world with new colours.

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DFS Sofa and Room Planner on the App Store

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Read reviews, compare customer ratings, see screenshots, and learn more about DFS Sofa and Room Planner. Download DFS Sofa and Room Planner and enjoy it on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

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integrating health and safety into school curriculum

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Teacher Support and Resources - Health and Safety Authority

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Biological Agents Frequently Asked Questions

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Social Welfare Employment Travel and Recreation Family and Relationships Environment Justice Death and Bereavement

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Connecting to your child's feelings

Some of us are better at this than others. If you had a parent, who tuned into how you felt and showed compassion and empathy when you were sad or upset, you are lucky.

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Connecting to your child's feelings Some of us are better at this than others. If you had a parent, who tuned into how you felt and showed compassion and empathy when you were sad or upset, you are lucky.

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L.O - 2.13 apply financial literacy skills in the preparation and evaluation of a budget for independent living

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L.O - 2.13 apply financial literacy skills in the preparation and evaluation of a budget for independent living

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Tools for how to budget - home budgeting, household budgeting, budget weddings, including calculators and budget planners.

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L.O - 2.12 examine how consumers are protected in Ireland by legislation, statutory and non-statutory agencies

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L.O - 2.12 examine how consumers are protected in Ireland by legislation, statutory and non-statutory agencies

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Consumer Rights & Personal Finance - CCPC

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The CCPC has information and useful tools on consumer rights and personal finance. Check out our latest news and get practical independent information.

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L.O - 2.11 debate consumers’ rights and responsibilities

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L.O - 2.11 debate consumers’ rights and responsibilities

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Consumer protection organisations There are a number of statutory and voluntary consumer bodies to inform you of your rights as a consumer. This section describes the main organisations that can advise you of your rights as a consumer.

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L.O - 2.10 apply consumer decision-making skills in the management of personal, family and household resources for everyday living

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L.O - 2.10 apply consumer decision-making skills in the management of personal, family and household resources for everyday living

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L.O - 2.9 explore the influence of technology on the management of personal, family and household resources

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L.O - 2.9 explore the influence of technology on the management of personal, family and household resources

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You use self-checkouts at the supermarket. You use a smartphone app to pay your bills. And you use a computer to order parcels online. But this really only scratches the surface of how technology can help in our daily lives.

Now our homes can be controlled remotely thanks to the wonders of the Internet Of Things and connected tech, which enable devices to communicate with each other. It's all very much real, available today, and helping us to live smarter - saving time, increasing safety and becoming more efficient. It also helps the disabled and elderly significantly. Watch our live smarter video below to see how you could benefit from a connected home:

[Read more: Everything you can do with the Amazon Echo]

Looking for more information on the smart tech featured?

Amazon Echo

The Amazon Echo is a voice-controlled assistant which can communicate with other devices around your home. Made by the online shopping giant, you can also order products, ask for music from Amazon Music (if you have a subscription) and do other useful things like set alarms, reminders or add items to your shopping list.

Buy the Amazon Echo from BT Shop.

Hive Active Plug

The Hive Smart Plug is just one of a number of products among the Hive range, which you can control remotely from your smartphone.

The plug is ideal if you've accidentally left something on at home like an iron. Simply open the Hive app and switch the plug off. Panic over! What's more, it also works with Amazon Echo, which means you can control it with your voice around the home too.

Buy the Hive Active Plug from BT Shop.

RING Pro Video Doorbell

The RING video doorbell is a great addition to your home if you're out most of the day. It's also a great aid for those with a disability which may make getting to the front door a struggle.

Every time you get a knock at the door, you'll get a video call to your phone which allows you to communicate back with the person at the door. So, you could tell the postman exactly where you would like your parcel left, or let visitors know when you'll be home.

Buy the RING Video Doorbell from BT Shop.

Nest

Nest is one of the leading smart heating systems, which allows you to control your home's temperature remotely.

You can easily schedule the heating to switch on at a certain time. Even better is that you can switch it off if you forget, and vice versa.

Buy Nest from BT Shop.

Philips Hue

Control your lighting from the comfort of your sofa using Philips Hue. The coloured bulbs and dimming function allow you to set the right mood, anytime.

Want to set your lighting to a schedule? The app lets you do just that. If you've forgotten to switch a light off you can also change it when you're out and about - no more wasted electricity! Philips Hue hooks up to Amazon Echo too, so you can control your lighting with your voice as well.

Buy Philips Hue from BT Shop.

[Read more: How the connected home will change the way we live]

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You use self-checkouts at the supermarket. You use a smartphone app to pay your bills. And you use a computer to order parcels online. But this really only scratches the surface of how technology can help in our daily lives.

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L.O - 2.8 describe sustainable everyday practices in the home to include energy efficiency, waste management and water conservation

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L.O - 2.8 describe sustainable everyday practices in the home to include energy efficiency, waste management and water conservation

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Sustainable Energy Authority Of Ireland | SEAI

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Post Primary School | Teaching Sustainability | SEAI

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Investigate energy and sustainability with your Junior Cycle or Transition Year Science, Home Economics, Geography and CSPE students. http://www.seai.ie/teaching-sustainability/post-primary-school/

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L.O - 2.7 identify how individuals, families and households can contribute to sustainable and responsible living

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L.O - 2.7 identify how individuals, families and households can contribute to sustainable and responsible living

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Green-Schools | Working Together For A Sustainable Future

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Green-Schools is Ireland’s leading environmental education and award programme, working with primary and secondary schools across the country.

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L.O - 2.6 apply the design principles and guidelines to room planning and the design of an interior space in the home

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L.O - 2.6 apply the design principles and guidelines to room planning and the design of an interior space in the home

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An advanced and easy-to-use 2D/3D home design tool.
Join a community of 96 746 864 amateur designers or hire a professional designer.

Home Design Made Easy

Just 3 easy steps for stunning results

Layout & Design

Use the 2D mode to create floor plans and design layouts with furniture and other home items, or switch to 3D to explore and edit your design from any angle.

Furnish & Edit

Edit colors, patterns and materials to create unique furniture, walls, floors and more - even adjust item sizes to find the perfect fit.

Visualize & Share

Use the Renders feature to capture your design as a realistic image - this adds shadows, lighting and rich colors to make your work look like a photograph!

Create Anywhere, Anytime

We cover all platforms with full synchronization between them!

Created for Amateurs

Use Planner 5D for your interior house design needs without any professional skills

HD Vizualizations

Use the Renders feature to capture your design as a realistic image - this adds shadows, lighting and rich colors to make your work look like a photograph!

2D/3D Modes

Experiment with both 2D and 3D views as you design from various angles. Arrange, edit and apply custom surfaces and materials.

5000+ Item Catalog

Explore our project gallery and browse our content. We have something great in store for everyone in our user-generated library.

Easy User Interface

The intuitive and user-focused interface provides an easy design process without any tutorials or instructions.

Item Editing

Apply custom colors, patterns and materials to furniture, walls and floors to fit your interior design style.

Community

Be a part of a growing community. Upload and customize projects. Get inspired by designs created by other users.

See What Users Have Created

Easily capture professional 3D house design without any 3D-modeling skills.
Get Started For Free

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Planner 5D: House Design Software | Home Design in 3D

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An advanced and easy-to-use 2D/3D house design tool. Create your dream home design with powerful but easy software by Planner 5D.

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L.O - 2.5 assess the importance of making informed and responsible decisions in everyday life

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L.O - 2.5 assess the importance of making informed and responsible decisions in everyday life

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L.O - 2.4 discuss the requirements of a safe and nurturing home environment

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L.O - 2.4 discuss the requirements of a safe and nurturing home environment

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House fires can cause devastation and loss of life. Make sure your family is protected - Don't delay! Take action today:

The 4 Golden Rules of Fire Safety

Install working smoke alarms and test them regularly

Make a fire escape plan and practice it often

Check for fire dangers in your home and correct them

Carry out a 'last thing at night routine' - make closing all doors part of this routine. Closing interior doors when going to bed at night is vital to saving lives if you have a fire.... this video demonstrates it perfectly.

For more information read, Fire Safety in the Home

Smoke alarms and fire blankets/extinguishers

You need working smoke alarms in your house:

Working smoke alarms will warn you if there is a fire. Remember:Your sense of smell does not work when you are asleep and smoke can put you in a deeper sleep.

Test them once a week and replace batteries immediately if required - do not put it off.

Smoke alarms may be tested by pressing the test button with the handle tip of a floor brush.

Replace the batteries when they are not working and once a year in standard alarms, or as soon as you hear the warning beep.

If you have 10 year smoke alarms, you need to replace the whole alarm after 10 years.

If someone in the home is deaf, or has impaired hearing, they may not hear an audible warning from a smoke alarm, e.g. if not wearing a hearing aid at night. There are smoke alarm systems on the market that use strobe lights or vibrating pads to give alert of danger from fire. These offer improved warning for people who may have difficulty hearing a smoke alarm with audible warning.

Get at least one smoke alarm for each floor in the home. Fit them between the sleeping areas and the kitchen & living rooms - one in the hallway at ground floor, and one at each upper level, in the landing. For an enhanced level of protection, consideration may also be given to fitting alarms in living rooms and kitchen, in bedrooms used by vulnerable people, or in bedrooms where there is a television or large electrical appliance (such as a computer). (Heat alarms may be considered where fumes from cooking or smoke from cigarettes or open fires could lead to unwanted alarms.)

Position smoke alarms at ceiling level in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.

Vacuum the smoke alarms regularly and wipe the cover. If they get clogged with dust they may not work properly.

Fire extinguishers and fire blankets are useful in a home setting, if you have them, make sure they are easy to get at and that you know how to use them.

But remember: only attempt to put out a fire yourself if it is safe for you to do so.

Fire escape plan

Make a fire escape plan and practice it often with your family.

Never put yourself in danger to fight a fire.

In the event of a fire:

Get out

Get the fire brigade out - ring 112 or 999

Stay out

Stoves, fires, heaters, barbecues etc

Always guard open fires, stoves and heaters with a fire guard and spark guard.

Secure the fireguard to the wall.

Never place anything on top of the fireguard.

Learn about Carbon Monoxide poisoning and how to prevent it.

Try to buy child's clothing made of low risk fire material.

Keep heaters away from curtains and blinds.

Chip pans are a fire risk - consider a different method of cooking.

Keep children well away from barbecues - devastating burn injuries can occur in seconds.

Candles, lighters, matches, cigarettes

Keep lit candles out of reach of children.

Never leave burning candles unattended.

Always supervise children in a room where candles are lit.

Keep matches, cigarette lighters etc out of sight and reach of children.

Keep candles away from curtains and blinds.

Remember, the points above apply to anything with a flame, including oil/fragrance burners, incense sticks etc.

Electrical appliances

Switch off and plug out electrical equipment when not in use.

Use short flexes on electrical equipment where possible.

Keep all electrical equipment (incl hairdryers, straighteners, irons etc) and flexes out of reach of children.

Do not use damaged electric blankets - check electric blankets (and their flexes) regularly for signs of wear and tear.

Do not use electric blankets at all on children's beds.

Do not overload sockets.

Do not use damaged electrical appliances.

Do not leave mobile phones etc charging when you go to bed or go out.

Never leave your child alone on a farm - see child safety on the farm.

Cars and other motor vehicles

Infants or young children should never be left unattended in a motor vehicle.

A variety of hazards can arise, even if you are absent for a short duration.

Such hazards include an outbreak of fire, breathing problems on warm days and accidental trapping of children in electronically operated windows.

Always remove the ignition key when the vehicle is not in use.

Find out more

Emergency Numbers in Ireland - 112 or 999

In an emergency the "blue light" services - Garda Síochána, ambulance, fire and Irish Coast Guard - can be contacted by dialling 112 or 999.

Going on holidays? Remember 112 is the one emergency number that works anywhere in Europe.

Find out more at www.112.ie

Burns and Scalds

If the burn or scald is above the neck, get immediate medical help from your Emergency Department. Any burns/scalds above the neck could affect breathing or vision.

If other areas are affected, still plan to seek medical attention for your child, but it is safe and a good idea to take a few minutes to apply basic first aid at home:

Cool the burned or scalded area immediately - run cool water over it for 20 minutes. This is so important - it will help with pain and can reduce the risk of scarring and need for surgery. Never use ice.

If possible, remove clothes, nappies or jewellery as burnt skin can swell. But do not remove anything which has become stuck to the skin.

If a piece of clothing is stuck to skin do not remove it, cut around it.

Do not place any ice, fats, ointments or creams on the burn. Greasy substances will just keep the heat in and cause further damage.

Do not place adhesive (sticky) dressings or plasters on the burn.

Do not pop any blisters at home - blisters are the body's way of preventing skin infection.

If the injury is likely to rub against objects, you may wish to cover the wound - use a clean non-fluffy cloth or clean cling-film.

A clean plastic bag may also be used if the burn is on the hand. Do not wrap anything tightly around the wound.

Call your GP or 999/112 for help, especially if:

It's an infant or small child who has been burned/scalded

If the burnt area is larger than a 50c coin

If the burn is on the face, hands or genitalia

Most unintentional injuries (often called accidents) can be prevented:

Remember the key message where child safety is concerned -
Watch your child at all times, as children do not understand danger

Go to:

Most unintentional injuries (often called accidents) can be prevented:

Remember the key message where child safety is concerned -
Watch your child at all times, as children do not understand danger

Go to:

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Child Safety - Fire Safety at Home - Ireland's Health Service

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House fires can cause devastation and loss of life. Make sure your family is protected - Don't delay! Take action today: The 4 Golden Rules of Fire Safety Install working smoke alarms and test them regularly Make a fire escape plan and practice it often Check for fire dangers in your home and correct them Carry out a 'last thing at night routine' - make closing all doors part of this routine.

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L.O - 2.3 discuss family relationships and the importance of strengthening relationships between individuals and families 

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L.O - 2.3 discuss family relationships and the importance of strengthening relationships between individuals and families 

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Growing Up in Ireland is the national longitudinal study of children and youth in Ireland. It started in 2006 and follows two cohorts of children aged 9 years (child cohort) and 9 months (infant cohort). Currently the members of the Child Cohort are around 19 years old and the Infant Cohort are 9 years old.

The Growing Up in Ireland study is funded by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs (DCYA), and is overseen by the DCYA in association with the Central Statistics Office. It also receives a contribution in Phase 2 from the Atlantic Philanthropies. Phase 1 of funding covered ages 9 and 13 years of the Child Cohort and ages 9 months to 5 years of the Infant Cohort. Phase 2 (2015-2019) covers ages 7/8 and 9 years for the Infant Cohort and ages 17/18 and 20 years for the Child Cohort.

The Principal Investigator at Phase 2 is Professor James Williams (ESRI). He is supported by a project management team of seven leading academics from the ESRI and TCD as well as a research team and fieldwork team based in the ESRI. A wide range of experts provide support and advice to the Study as part of the Scientific Advisory Group.

Aims and objectives

The primary aim of the Growing Up in Ireland study is to inform Government policy in relation to children, young people and families.

The founding objectives for the study were:

1. to describe the lives of children in Ireland in the relevant age categories, to establish what is typical and normal as well as what is atypical and problematic

2. to chart the development of children over time, to examine the progress and wellbeing of children at critical periods from birth to adulthood

3. to identify the key factors that, independently of others, most help or hinder children's development

4. to establish the effects of early childhood experiences on later life

5. to map dimensions of variation in children's lives

6. to identify the persistent adverse effects that lead to social disadvantage and exclusion, educational difficulties, ill health, and deprivation

7. to obtain children's views and opinions on their lives

8. to provide a bank of data on the whole child

9. to provide evidence for the creation of effective and responsive policies and services for children and families

This cohort started in 2008 with 8,500 children aged 9 years. Information was collected from parents, teachers, Principals and the children themselves. Additional perspectives were collected by post from non-resident parents and regular carers of the Study Child. This cohort was revisited at age 13 years and most recently at age 17/18 years. Further information on the Child Cohort can be found via the Information for Researchers page. This cohort will be visited again when they are 20 years old.

About the Infant Cohort

Data collection for the Infant Cohort started in 2008 with over 11,000 9-month-olds and their families. Follow-up waves were completed when the child was aged 3 years, 5 years and 7/8 years (postal). Depending on the particular wave, information has been collected from parents, carers, non-resident parents, teachers and principals. Further information on the Infant Cohort can be found via the Information for Researchers page. The next visit to this cohort is currently underway at age 9 years.

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Growing Up in Ireland is the national longitudinal study of children and youth in Ireland. It started in 2006 and follows two cohorts of children aged 9 years (child cohort) and 9 months (infant cohort). Currently the members of the Child Cohort are around 19 years old and the Infant Cohort are 9 years old.

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L.O - 2.2 explore the roles and responsibilities of the family

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L.O - 2.2 explore the roles and responsibilities of the family

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The role of the family discusses how attitudes to cooking have changed over time, as society values have been changing, along with the return to some aspects out of necessity in times of a recession.

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L.O - 2.1 discuss the different forms of the family

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L.O - 2.1 discuss the different forms of the family

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Births, Deaths and Marriages - CSO - Central Statistics Office