The HPP Technical Manual can be accessed by clicking here or scan the QR code to download it.
Home Performance Pathway
Home Performance Pathway (HPP), bridging the green certification gap for SME builders. By offering an accessible three-step route to high-performance housing, the HPP unlocks green finance opportunities and builds the technical skills necessary to meet Ireland’s ambitious 2030 climate targets.
Home Performance Pathway (HPP) is a simplified certification that helps smaller builders transition to sustainable certification and unlocks lower cost green finance. Designed as a stepping stone in the pathway to delivering environmentally sustainable homes – it offers a clear route toward the more advanced Home Performance Index (HPI). HPI is already the industry standard with over 30,000 homes registered.
HPP certification is awarded on a project-wide basis, where a project is defined by the approved planning permission. This structured approach enables smaller homebuilders to build technical skills while qualifying for lower-cost green development finance from major lenders like AIB, Bank of Ireland, and Home Building Finance Ireland.
A clear three-step route to excellence
Tailored specifically for the SME market, the HPP encourages small-scale home builders to formalise their sustainability efforts through an achievable three-step process towards a qualification in building skills for HPI certification.
Figure 1 – HPP three step structure and continuity to HPI
With the support of industry engagement, the HPP was designed as a three-step progressive pathway with 12 indicators to guide builders from business-as-usual construction toward the full sustainability spectrum of the HPI certification with 35 indicators.
Figure 2 – HPP’s 3 steps and 12 indicators
The HPP certification has 12 indicators with mandatory indicators to be fulfilled depending on the achievement level chosen. For example, if a homebuilder registers for the achievement level Step 1, the mandatory indicators are: controlled ventilation, energy efficiency, water efficiency, plus an additional indicator of their choice.
Whereas, if a homebuilder decides on achievement level Step 3, the mandatory indicators include those in Step 1, plus biodiversity, summer comfort, and an additional five indicators of their choice.
Figure 3 – The number of mandatory indicators to achieve the Steps
Living in a certified sustainable HPP home means improved health, comfort and wellbeing for occupants, plus reduced utility bills and long-term operational costs. As the industry strives to meet the state’s ambitious 2030 targets, the HPP serves as a gateway to competitive financing, technical growth, and the delivery of superior-quality homes.
Costs
Registration and certification fees are calculated on the number of homes, follow this link HPP & HPI fees to get an estimate. Upon payment of the registration fee, your team will gain full access to the HPP calculators and upload platform.
IGBC members get a discount on HPP certification fees. Registration fees are non-refundable once paid, regardless of project cancellation or early termination.
Prices exclude VAT for both Registration and certification fees.
NEWS
News and media coverage on the HPP launch
Bank of Ireland https://www.bankofireland.com/about-bank-of-ireland/press-releases/2026/bank-of-ireland-welcomes-introduction-of-home-performance-pathway/
Business Plus IGBC launches certification to help SME builders access green loans
Market Screener Bank of Ireland : welcomes introduction of Home Performance Pathway | MarketScreener
(Also on Engineers Ireland, House Plus, Construction Management, Construction News)
Pictured outside the Custom House for the launch of the Home Performance Pathway certification for SME developers are (L-R): John Delahunty, AIB; Fergus Mangan, Home Building Finance Ireland; Magdalena Hajdukiewicz, Construct Innovate; James Browne T.D., Minister for Housing, Local Government & Heritage; Johanna Varghese, Irish Green Building Council; Deirdre Murphy, Housing Agency; Brian Gaffney, Bank of Ireland; PJ Ryan, Construction Industry Federation.
Pic: Marc O’Sullivan
The development of the Home Performance Pathway certification was funded by Construct Innovate, CISFC1-24_011 with industry support from Ardcairn Capital and Home Building Finance Ireland.