Home Performance Index (HPI): Raising the Standard for New Homes in Ireland

As Ireland’s housing sector continues to evolve in response to climate targets, buyer expectations, and ESG requirements, the Home Performance Index (HPI) is emerging as a key benchmark for quality and sustainability in residential development.

What is the Home Performance Index (HPI)?

The Home Performance Index (HPI) is an independently assessed, national certification system for new homes in Ireland. Developed specifically for the Irish market, it provides a comprehensive, evidence-based framework to measure the overall performance of residential developments.

While HPI aligns with broader EU sustainability frameworks, it is tailored to Ireland’s regulatory environment, construction practices, and housing needs.

How Does HPI Compare to LEED and BREEAM?

HPI is often compared to international certification systems like LEED certification system and BREEAM sustainability assessment. However, unlike these broader frameworks, HPI is:

Holistic in scope, addressing not just energy, but health, wellbeing, and long-term performance

Residential-specific, focusing solely on housing developments

Nationally adapted, aligning closely with Irish building regulations and planning considerations

Why is HPI Important?

HPI goes beyond minimum compliance to raise the bar for how homes are designed, constructed, and experienced. It helps to address key challenges facing the housing sector today:

Supporting ESG reporting with clear, standardised performance metrics

Improving housing quality beyond baseline regulations

Enhancing health and wellbeing through better air quality, daylight, and thermal comfort

Reducing carbon emissions and supporting climate resilience

Promoting sustainable communities with access to transport, amenities, and green space

Supporting construction quality through rigorous testing and verification

Providing transparency and reducing the risk of greenwashing

Alignment with Irish Regulations

HPI is designed to sit above Ireland’s statutory building regulations, enhancing requirements such as Part L (energy performance) and Part F (ventilation). It provides a structured pathway for delivering homes that not only comply with legislation but exceed it in measurable ways.

Are There Financial Incentives?

Yes. Developers can benefit from green finance incentives linked to HPI certification. Notably, Home Building Finance Ireland (HBFI) offers a loan interest rate reduction of up to 0.5% for developments that achieve HPI certification, helping to reduce overall project costs.

Key Benefits of HPI Certification

For Developers:

Market differentiation in an increasingly competitive housing market
Access to green finance, including HBFI incentives
Reduced defects and snagging, supported by robust quality assurance
Stronger ESG performance, supporting investor and stakeholder requirements
Future-proofed developments, aligned with evolving regulations and buyer expectations

For Architects & Design Teams:

Clear performance framework for delivering high-quality homes
Improved design outcomes across daylight, ventilation, and materials
Enhanced sustainability credentials for portfolios and bids
Better collaboration through structured evidence and documentation
Encouragement of innovation beyond minimum standards

For Homeowners & Tenants:

Healthier, more comfortable living environments
Lower energy and running costs
Independently verified build quality
Reduced risk of common issues such as damp, mould, or overheating
Better locations and lifestyle, with access to amenities and transport
Long-term value and resilience

What Does the HPI Assessment Process Involve?

The HPI process is structured and evidence-led, running from early design through to post-completion:

Project registration with the Irish Green Building Council and appointment of a certified HPI assessor
Early design review, helping to ensure alignment with HPI criteria across energy, layout, materials, and wellbeing
Ongoing evidence collection, including drawings, specifications, and performance modelling
Construction-stage verification, such as airtightness testing and system commissioning
Final submission and independent review
Certification, awarded upon successful compliance

When Should You Engage an HPI Assessor?

Early engagement is critical. Appointing an HPI assessor at the concept or early design stage helps to ensure that key decisions align with certification requirements, avoiding costly redesigns later in the project.

Why Choose ORS for HPI?

At ORS, we bring extensive experience in energy and sustainability consulting, with certified HPI assessors in-house. Our integrated approach supports clients from concept through to certification, helping to ensure projects not only achieve HPI standards but deliver real value in performance and quality.

To learn more about how our Sustainability Team can support your project—from early design through to HPI certification and beyond, get in touch with us today at info@ors.ie or call +353 1524 2060.