According to the research, carried out earlier this year by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, 27% of people said there was a likelihood, with the lowest numbers in agreement amongst older people.Therefore, to build a climate resilient future, environmental movements, activists and policy makers need to consider the needs of older people.
On retiring from the UN, a niche emerged for her to support her own age group in reducing their carbon footprints and focus on behavioural and climate sciences to facilitate changing household consumption habits, including housing. When it comes to housing, she believes cost is one of the main barriers, and for those who can afford it she would like to see more of a connection with 'why' they are doing it.
For homeowner Linda Dowling, from Lacka on the Tipperary-Offaly border, plans to upgrade her home are on hold. "If it's a family home and you've lived in for a long time, you might feel it's more worth it. I'm sure from the comfort factor, it's definitely worth it.The biggest dilemma she is facing now is the cost and the upheaval of getting work done and moving out temporarily.
Offaly County Council in collaboration with the Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board Mount Lucas and SEAI, brought the Mount Lucas retrofitting rig to the Bridge Shopping Centre car park in Tullamore for members of the public to attend training sessions and get advice. "It's across the board, we try to collaborate with all demographics from school kids through to homeowners, businesses, the age friendly group, so there's this good interest from all demographics," he said.