See the Light 2011- Ireland’s Built Environment Reaching for Zero

Loic Dehaye architects Cork will be present at

See the Light 2011 – Ireland’s Built Environment Reaching for Zero

Thursday 13th October 2011
The Memorial Hall, UCD School of Architecture, Richview, UCD, Dublin

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland’s (SEAI) Renewable Energy Information Office in association with the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI), is hosting the ninth See the Light Conference on Thursday 13th October 2011 at the Memorial Hall, UCD School of Architecture, Richview, UCD, Dublin.

The recent introduction of national and international policies for the built environment is bringing about a fundamental rethink in the way we design, construct and operate buildings. Today, it is becoming clear that energy efficiency and building ‘green’ is very much at the heart of the Government’s decision making process. So much so that increasing the energy performance of Ireland’s building stock is fast becoming the preferred choice in providing high quality, high efficiency, dynamic and cost effective solutions for consumers and businesses.

Driven by legislation the coming years will see a sharp increase in the market uptake of highly efficient buildings here in Ireland and throughout Europe: by 2018, new public buildings must be nearly zero energy buildings, by 2020, this will apply to all new buildings. According to the European Buildings Directive, a “nearly zero energy building” is a building that has a very high energy performance and the very low amount of energy required is covered to a very significant extent by energy from renewable sources. Going forward all Member States must draw up national plans for increasing the number of nearly zero energy buildings in new construction and renovation.

This annual showcase conference for the built environment will be of particular interest to:

  • Architects Cork

Conference Programme

08.30 Registration with tea and coffee

Opening Session – An Overview of the Sustainability Landscape for Ireland’s Built Environment
Chair: Prof J Owen Lewis, Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland

09.30 Welcome and Introduction – Prof J Owen Lewis, CEO, Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland
09.35 Policy and Regulatory Challenges and the Implications for Ireland’s Built Environment – Martin Vaughan, DoECLG
09.55 From a Century of Architectural Education, Looking Forward – Emmet Scanlon, UCD School of Architecture
10.15 Architects in a Resource Stressed World – Ian Goodfellow, Penoyre and Prasad, UK
10.45 Panel Question Time, followed by Tea / Coffee (served in the Red Room)

Session Two – Sustainable Design and Materials
Chair: Paddy de Roe, RIAI Sustainability Task Force

11.30 Bridging the Gap: Form, Function, Environmental Impact and Energy Use, a Four-fold Approach to Sustainable Design –Prof Hugo Hens, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven
12.00 Comparative Study of Building Materials and Embedded Energy in Low Energy and Passive Houses – 
Minka McInerney, Minka McInerney Architect
12.20 Solar Assisted Space Heating in Low Energy and Passive Houses, A Practical Irish Case Study –
Shane Colclough
12.40 Panel Question Time followed by Lunch

Session Three – Green Buildings, Green Construction and Green Jobs
Chair: Vivienne Brophy, UCD Energy Research Group, School of Architecture

14.15 Skilled Workforce and Local Products, the Next Steps for the Passive House in Ireland – Tomás O’Leary, Passive House Academy Ireland
14.35 Ireland’s Living Building Challenge – Brian O’Brien, Solearth Ecological Architecture
14.55 Quantifying the Value of Air Tightness in Ecological and Energy Efficient Buildings – Joseph Little, Joseph Little Architects
15.10 Panel Question Time

Session Four – Sustainable Buildings in Action
Chair: Martin Murray PHAI

15.25 EnerPHit Affordable Retro-fitting, the Wexford Case Study – Cathal O’Leary, OLS Architects
15.40 From the Ashes, the Carroll’s Case Study – Edel Donnelly, BDP
15.55 Graduating to the Passive House Standard, the Roebuck Hall UCD Case Study – Tony Rigg, Kavanagh Tuite
16.10 Panel Question Time and Closing Remarks

Passive house Retrofit ENERPHIT Criteria Cork


EnerPHit
Architects cork

Certification as “Quality-Approved Energy Retrofit with Passive House Components”
Criteria for  Residential-Use Refurbished Buildings
If the criteria for Passive Houses are met by an energy relevant modernisation, an old
building can also be certified as a “Quality-Approved Passive House”, based on the same
criteria as for new buildings.
Nevertheless, due to various reasons, for older buildings it is often difficult to achieve the
Passive House standard with reasonable effort. The use of Passive House technology for
each building component in such buildings, however, does lead to considerable
improvement in respect of comfort, structural protection, cost-effectiveness and energy
requirements.
For quality assurance and verification of the specific energy values achieved, buildings that
have been modernised using Passive House components and that do exceed the Passive
House boundary values (for  existing building substance reasons), can receive the
“EnerPHit – Quality-Approved Modernisation with Passive House Components” certificate.
The certification criteria applicable to residential buildings are described below.
1 General requirements
The current certification criteria (to be found at www.passiv.de) are applicable initially; the
calculation method described in the PHPP  handbook and the PHPP programme are
subordinate to this.
Due to the numerous different requirements and  conditions for the modernisation of old
buildings, it is possible that exact requirements for  individual energy-related measures may
not be included in these certification criteria. In this case, the measures should be carried
out in consultation with the certifier in such a way that maximum energy efficiency can be
achieved, provided that, for the duration of their life cycle, the measures result in a financial
net profit under the normally expected boundary conditions for the building owner and users
collectively.  The thermal protection standard necessary for the building component will be
determined by the certifier in each case.
1.1 Energy balance
The energy balance of the modernised building must be verified using the latest version of
the Passive House Planning Package (PHPP).  This also applies for certification based on
the building component method  (Section 2). For the specific space heat demand, the
monthly as well as the annual method can be applied.  If the ratio of free heat to heat losses
is more than 0.70 in the annual method, the monthly method should be used.
The reference value (treated floor area TFA) is the net living area within the building’s
thermal envelope based on the living space regulations in Germany (WoFIV).
The whole of the enclosing building envelope, e.g. a row of terraced houses or multi-storey
bulding, can be considered for calculating the specific values.  An overall calculation or
weighted average values of several partial zones can be used to verify this.
Combining thermally separated buildings together is not permissible. Buildings that adjoin
other buildings (e.g. in city housing) must have at least one external wall, one roof surface
and a floor slab or basement ceiling in order to certify them individually.
1.2 Time of certification
All requirements for the building  must be met at the time of  issuing of the certificate.
Certificates prior to modernisations that are being carried out in several steps are not being
issued at the moment.
1.3 Restriction to existing buildings
Only such buildings will be certified (EnerPHit certification) for which the continued use of
existing building elements would pose such substantial problems for the energy relevant
modernisation that modernising to Passive House level would  not be practicable or cost
effective.
1.4 Location of building
Currently, only buildings located in the cool and  moderate Central European Climate are
being certified.
1.5 Heating demand
QH ≤ 25 kWh/(m²a)
Certification can be issued alternatively if the criteria for individual building components as
given in Section 2 are met.  In this case the requirement for the heating demand does not
apply.
1.6 Primary energy demand
QP ≤ 120 kWh/m²a + ((QH – 15 kWh/(m²a)) * 1.2)
The requirements apply to the total sum of the  heating, hot water, cooling, auxiliary and
household electricity.
1.7 Summertime comfort
Excessive temperature frequency (> 25 °C) ≤ 10 %
If calculatig the excessive temperature frequency is not possible due to very high daily
temperature fluctuations, a warning appears in the PHPP “Summer” sheet.  In case of
doubt, other suitable evidence of summertime comfort should be provided.
1.8 Moisture protection
All standard sections and connection details must be invariably planned and implemented
so that there is no excessive moisture on the interior surfaces or in the building component
build-ups.  The water activity of the interior surfaces must be kept at aw ≤ 80 %. In case of
doubt, evidence for moisture protection based on established techniques must be provided.
1.9 Airtightness
Limit value:  n50 ≤ 1.0 h
Target value:  n50 ≤ 0.6 h
The airtightness of the building must be verified using a pressurisation test based on
DIN EN 13829. If the value 0.6 h
is exceeded, a comprehensive search for leakages must
be carried out within the framework of the pressurisation test and each relevant leak, which
can cause building damage and affect thermal comfort, should be rectified. This must be
confirmed in writing as stated in Section 6.2.
1.10 Windows
It is strongly recommended that window frames which have been certified as “PassiveHouse-suitable components”, and triple low-e glazing (or equivalent) are implemented –
using the installation principles
recommended by the Passive House Institute (PHI). If this
recommendation is not complied with, evidence of the comfort according to the conditions in
DIN EN ISO 7730 should be provided or the low temperatures occurring near the window
areas should be compensated for by heaters.
2  Certification according to criteria for individual components
If the specific heating demand of 25 kWh/(m²a) given in Section 1.4 is exceeded,
certification based on the following criteria for individual components is possible instead. All
other general requirements of section 1 must still be fulfilled.
In this case it must be proved that all energy-relevant building components for which criteria
for certification by the PHI for “Passive-House-suitable components” apply, comply with
these criteria.  The criteria for components as published on the internet at www.passiv.de
apply, provided that no other arrangements have been made in the EnerPHit requirements .
For products, which have not been certified  by the PHI as “Passive-House-suitable
Components”, the applicant is obliged to provide admissible proof of compliance with the
criteria.
If there are no products available which comply with the criteria for “Passive-House-suitable
components”, regarding certification for individual cases, in agreement with the certifier, a
product should be selected which complies with the criteria as much as possible.
The required boundary values must be observed at least as an average value
.  Exceeding this value is admissible for partial areas if it can be fully compensated for by better values
elsewhere.
Reasonable proof of the thermal transmission resistance (R-value) of the existing building
components must be provided if it contributes more than 5 % to the thermal transmission
resistance of the modernised component.  For  this it suffices to adopt the approximate
thermal conductivity of existing building materials from suitable tables.  If existing building
element structures are not clearly identifiable,  standardised assumptions from component
catalogues based on the construction year can  be used, provided that they appear reasonable.
In the event of an exceptional rule if a standard required specific value is exceeded, suitable
documents should be presented to prove clearly that the conditions for the exception have
been fufilled.
A selection of the most  important boundary values for  components (without claiming
completeness)  and the supplementary regulations for the EnerPHit certification in the
component method have been listed in Sections 2.1 to 2.11 as follows.
2.1 External wall and storey ceiling above outside air
Exterior insulation:  U ≤ 0.150 W/(m²K)
Interior insulation:  U ≤ 0.300 W/(m²K)
deviating from the criteria for “Passive-House-suitable components”
The external wall insulation  must be carried out externally on at least 75 % of the area.
Insulation on the interior of up to 25 % of the area is only permissible if external insulation is
not practicable, not allowed or definitely not cost-efficient.
2.2 External wall to ground
f * U ≤ 0.150 W/(m²K)
with f:  “reduction factor ground“ in the PHPP’s “Ground” sheet
2.3 Roof or top floor ceiling
U ≤ 0.120 W/(m²K)
deviating from the criteria for  “Passive-House-suitable components”
2.4 Roof terrace
U ≤ 0.150  W/(m²K)
2.5 Ceiling of unheated basement
f * U ≤ 0.150 W/(m²K)
with f: “reduction factor ground“ in the PHPP’s “Ground” sheet
Exceptions
If compliance with the thermal transmittance  coefficient given above using conventional
insulating materials(λ ≥ 0.032 W(mK) ) leads to clear room heights of < 2.00 m or to room
heights lower than those specified in the building regulations for the ground floor, the
thermal transmittance coefficient given above may be exceeded as is strictly necessary for
the relevant partial areas, in consultation  with the certifier. For thermal transmittance
coefficients ≥ 0.300 W/(m²K), the maximum possible insulation thickness with an insulation
material conducitivity of  λ ≤ 0.025 W/(mK) should be implemented, provided that insulation
materials suitable for the respective application are available on the market.  Due to
reasons of comfort, the interior surface temperatures of the ground floor flooring must be at
least 17 °C for the design conditions (PHPP: “Ground” sheet, “design ground temperature
for heat load sheet”; indoor temperature 20°C).
2.6 Basement stairs
A continuous space between the heated  area and the unheated basement is not
permissible.  As a rule, either a closed, airtight and insulated door must be present or the
basement must be accessible from outside the thermal envelope of the building (e.g.
staircase from the garden).  The same criteria apply for the enclosing building components
of the basement exit as for the basement ceiling (Section 2.5).
The door between the living area  and the unheated basement must have
UD ≤ 1.60 W/(m²K).
Exception
Reducing the insulation thickenss of the enclosing building components of the basement
exit is permissible in consultation with the certifier, if the usability of the basement exit or the
adjacent rooms is unduly restricted.
2.7 Floor slab on ground
f * U ≤ 0.150 W/(m²K)
with f: “reduction factor ground“ in the PHPP’s “Ground” sheet
Because the insulation on the floor slab is interior insulation, it must be checked whether
problematic moisture accumulation can occur in the floor build-up.
Exceptions
If insulation on the floor slab with the required thermal transmittance coefficient is not
possible using conventional insulation materials (λ ≥ 0.032 W(mK) due to practical reasons
(e.g. room height, door lintels), the insulation thickness may be reduced to the level still
possible.  For thermal  transmittance coefficients  ≥ 0.300 W/(m²K), the maximum possible
insulation thickness with an insulation material conductivity of  λ ≤ 0.025 W/(mK) should be
implemented, provided that insulation materials suitable for the respective application are
available on the market. In this case the additional application of an insulation apron around
the floor slab should be considered and if applicable, implemented.
Due to reasons of comfort, the interior surface temperatures of the ground floor flooring
must be at least 17 °C for the design conditions (PHPP: “Ground” sheet, “design ground
temperature for heat load sheet”; indoor temperature 20 °C.
2.8 Windows
Uw,installed ≤ 0.85 W/(m²K)
( ) g W m K ≥ U g⋅1,6 /
Explanation
The requirements for Uw,installed are considered to have been fulfilled if the average value for
all windows given in the PHPP “Windows” sheet complies with the limit value given above.
If the Uw,installed value for individual windows in living  areas is greater than  0.85 W/(m²K),
evidence of the comfort conditions according to DIN EN ISO 7730 should be provided or the
low temperatures occuring at the windows should be compensated for by heaters.
2.9 External doors
UD,installed ≤ 0.80 W/(m²K)
According to the supplementary sheet, standard values for the recommended installation
situations can be used for the installation thermal bridges if applicable.
2.10 Thermal bridges
The thermal building envelope should not have any linear thermal bridges with
Ψ > +0.01 W/(mK), or punctiform thermal bridges with χ > +0.04 W/K.
Exceptions
This limit value does not apply for thermal bridges which are part of the standard
construction of a building component (e.g. statically relevant dowelling of a thermal
insulation composite system).  These are taken into account in the standard thermal
transmittance coefficient of the building component.
If a thermal-bridge-free detail formation is clearly not economical or  impracticable, the
thermal bridge should at least be diminished as far as economically and practicably
possible, in agreement with the certifier.  Requirements for moisture protection (Section 1.8)
must be complied with in every case.
2.11 Ventilation
ηHR,eff ≥ 75 %
Electrical efficiency of the ventilation system: ≤ 0.45 Wh/m³
All rooms within the heated building volume must  be connected to a supply air and exhaust
air system with heat recovery or be part of a transferred air zone.  Exceeding the criteria for
“Passive-House-suitable components”, ηHR,eff
must be adhered to for the whole ventilation
system, i.e. the heat losses of the warm air ducts in the cool area or the cold ducts in the
warm area should also be included.
Passive
House
Institute
Dr. Wolfgang Feist
Rheinstr. 44/46
D-64283 Darmstadt


Sustainability in architecture means

Sustainability in architecture means far more that just energy efficiency,

Even though the latter doubtlessly plays a major role given its direct effects on resource consumption and the climate. But it would be a mistake to consider this in isolation, as regrettably happens all too often. Partly due to regulations that encourage us to thoughtlessly pack our houses with insulating materials and partly due to the undifferentiated promotion of solar systems that are carelessly installed on roof and facades and result in the disfigurement of entire villages and towns, the one -side focus on energy-efficiency enhancement is increasing the reservations about “green building ” that architects frequently have. In the end, sustainability – if it is understood sensibly – encompasses not only all the aspects mentioned above but also the design qualities of architecture and the preservation of a locality’s traditional appearance. The fact that sustainability and building culture are not necessarily contradictory is demonstrated by numerous examples at home and abroad such as in Austria or Switzerland. They show that a form of architecture which makes careful use of resources and improves energy efficiency does not unavoidably have to call attention to itself. However they also show that, where appropriate, solar measures can be used as a means of expression that characterises the appearance of a building. Many buildings are, in any case, not erected in localities whose visual appearance has evolved over time but are created in the faceless new building estates or industrial districts on the outskirts of our cities.

On the other hand, however, architecture has always adapted itself to the prevailing preconditions. precisely this is shown by the traditional methods of building that are frequently  and readily used. Changed necessities or new possibilities resulting from the depletion of traditional building materials or from the emergence of new ones ( For example, roof tiles instead of wood and straw ) have always exerted a significant characterising  influence  on the appearance of villages and towns – an appearance that was later misleadingly declared to be ” traditional “.

At present. we are again faced with dramatic upheavals in architecture. and it is now time to redefine some of its general parameters.

From the point of view of the economy as a whole, the demand for an ecologically responsible method of building is rightly seen as a huge opportunity for innovation and job creation. but there are also unexpected opportunities for architects. Especially now, their creativity as well as their technical know-how are called for so that lost ground can be regained in the building process. what is decisive here is that architects face up to the challenges before others do it for them.             Christian Schittich

Energise Ireland Manifesto

We support Energise Ireland Manifesto

Sign the petition !!!

Construct Ireland’s manifesto for an energy revolution

The future of every Irish business, family, homeowner, tenant, public servant – every citizen – will be dramatically improved or undermined by what we do about energy.

If we’re slow to act and continue to treat the green economy as a subset of the economy, we’re destined for immediate and continuous economic decline, as Ernst & Young’s latest economic analysis demonstrates 1. But if we seize the initiative and engage in an energy revolution across the whole Irish economy, Ireland can recover.

We can make the entire Irish jobs market bigger and more secure, we can improve average life expectancies, we can all become wealthier and turn Ireland from a cautionary tale of economic mismanagement to a pioneering exemplar of a just, sustainable society.

Summary

By engaging in an energy revolution Ireland will…

…lead to hundreds of thousands of jobs being created or secured in several ways, including the installation of energy efficiency measures, the manufacturing of energy saving technology and materials for the domestic and export markets, and inducing job creation in unrelated sectors resulting from more money being brought into circulation. The entire jobs market will be stabilised and pressure taken off struggling businesses and households by reducing their energy costs, cutting their exposure to energy price spikes and bringing more money into circulation.

…improve our balance of trade by reducing energy imports and making Irish exports more competitive by cutting manufacturing and operating costs.

…bring an immediate injection of cash into circulation through issuing bonds ring-fenced for efficiency investments, a safe, patriotic investment opportunity for Irish people nervous about their savings.

…gain a significant net tax benefit to the public finances through immediate tax revenue increases that will outweigh subsidy costs 2, and stabilise the tax base by making businesses more solvent.

…reduce the cost of running the state by cutting energy wastage in schools, hospitals, civic buildings, street lighting etc and reducing health sector and social welfare costs arising from fuel poverty.

…send a clear message internationally that Ireland is taking a smart, strategic approach to economic recovery

First of all, Ireland must face up to the fact that…

…90% of our energy consumption is imported fossil fuel, the highest of any EU-15 member state. The only European countries with higher fossil fuel dependencies are Malta, Luxembourg and Cyprus. Primary energy consumption in Ireland in 2009 was 14.9 million tonnes of oil equivalent (Mtoe) – roughly 110m barrels of oil equivalent per annum 3.

…economic recovery will not be possible without dramatically cutting energy imports. An upturn in exports will only happen in the event of global economic recovery, which would force energy prices higher, thereby cancelling out extra income from exports.

…our ability to attract foreign direct investment may be compromised by our high reliance on fossil energy imports compared to other competing economies. Companies may be discouraged by Ireland’s exposure to energy price spikes and supply interruptions.

…we’re bound by EU policy to cut energy consumption and CO2 emissions. If Ireland is slower to act than European and other countries, we’ll remain reliant on paying other more advanced economies for the green skills, services, materials and technologies necessary to hit our targets.

…Irish exports will be undermined if our suppliers cannot respond to the planned and current sustainability investment drives in forward-thinking economies in the EU, China, the US and the Middle East.

…soaring prices will make it impossible to rely on finite fossil fuels to heat our buildings, run our vehicles and power our grid. Oil supply will become extremely volatile as cheap and easy-to-extract oil runs out. High carbon, difficult-to-extract varieties will still abound – but will only be produced if prices are high.

To avoid an energy crisis and Energise Ireland we must…

…become oil-free and no longer a net energy importer by 2025. Our circumstances demand such an unprecedented shift. Ireland needs an integrated strategy for the entire economy in order to deliver the greatest possible energy efficiency improvements, and shift to renewable energy. Energy demand must be reduced to such a level that renewables alone will suffice, with any spare renewables generation capacity boosting Ireland’s energy exports or enabling energy-intensive industries to locate in Ireland.

…understand that sustainable energy investments will deliver a return up to seven times greater than the cost of the investment 4. As fanciful as it sounds, even a 100% subsidy to cover the cost of sustainable energy investments may be immediately cash flow positive to the exchequer 5 . Taxes will be paid by companies directly and indirectly involved in projects – and businesses in general benefiting from increased cash circulation – including employment taxes, Vat and corporation tax with social welfare spend reduced by bringing people back into work. Additional demonstrable benefits include selling spare carbon permits rather than buying more, and significantly reduced health service spend.

…develop green bonds to offer Irish citizens a safe, patriotic investment that government will use to subsidise or lend to enable energy efficiency works. This could be structured in such a way to circumvent government borrowing restrictions, and offer Irish citizens a transparent, patriotic investment in local projects which are in their nature low risk 6, which increase local job creation and cash circulation and therefore are more likely to benefit the investor in terms of wage increases, job security, tax reductions and/or improvements in public services. This strategy should be aligned with a complimentary proposal for a green IFSC.

…encourage more lending institutions to follow Bank of Ireland’s lead by offering attractive green loan and mortgage packages. Bank of Ireland’s recently announced “green equity release” loan allows customers to unlock equity in their home to invest in energy saving measures costing up to 90% of the value of their property, with repayment terms as low as 3% over five to thirty years. Lenders should be made to factor in estimated energy costs when assessing financed purchases, and adjust lending terms for new homes, upgrades and car loans based on the likely cost of fuel bills over the duration of the loan.

…stimulate world class continuous innovation in developing low energy technology, materials and design approaches. Government policy including subsidies, building regulations and standards must foster a culture of constant innovation without compromising on public safety. Allied to the creation of an Irish test house for sustainable technologies, materials and systems, such an approach could attract many international manufacturers to locate in Ireland, and convince Ireland’s best graduate or experienced engineers and architects that they don’t need to emigrate to have a future.

…make all new homes net zero energy and zero carbon by 2013 7, and upgrade the entire building stock as a whole to net zero carbon by 2020. This will involve the roll out of a building science based approach to retrofitting, heating and power supply and efficient energy management. Such an approach has enormous export potential if we act swiftly, using the best available knowledge.

…end fuel poverty by 2015. Up to 800,000 households may be in or on the cusp of fuel poverty 8. Every euro spent on fuel poverty mitigation reduces health sector expenditure alone by €0.42C 9 and is cash flow positive to the exchequer – by cutting the need for winter fuel supplements, creating direct, indirect and induced employment etc. Poor health caused by fuel poverty weakens the economy – sick people are more likely to become reliant on state assistance, to lose their jobs or default on debts.

…cut embodied energy and resource waste across the Irish economy to the greatest extent possible. Manufacturing can only play a role in Ireland’s recovery if we can be more competitive and more innovative than other competing economies. Every Irish manufacturer must be mobilised to invest in achieving the greatest efficiencies possible to make their own business future-proof, including operational efficiencies and a cradle-to-cradle approach to manufacturing.

…implement world-leading green procurement requirements throughout the public sector. Ireland must aim beyond the EU target of 50% green public procurement by 2010 to give Irish companies the chance to compete to supply other EU countries, many of whom are innovating in green public and corporate procurement. If Irish companies are given certainty that increasingly ambitious green requirements will be applied to all public procurement in the short, medium and long term, they will gain the confidence and encouragement to invest in strategically greening how they do business, and improve their export potential.

…strategically locate district heating and electricity systems to supply industrial estates and business parks, to support existing businesses and encouraging foreign direct investment. Tied to a long-term strategy for Irish biomass fuel supply along with fuel-free energy sources such as wind, solar & geothermal, the energy service company (Esco) model can offer secure energy supply at prices that can be fixed for up to 10 or 15 years. Where possible Escos should be publicly financed – for instance using money secured through green bonds – so that what may be considerable profits go back to the tax payer.

…develop smart metering to include tariffs which stimulate dramatic behavioural change. If the wind blows a gale at 3:15am, smart meters must be able to communicate with appliances and systems in buildings to choose the best time to buy – to give the freezer or heat pump a boost, or to charge the plugged in electric vehicle. Similarly peaks in usage could be flattened if tariffs change subject to demand. When the Rose of Tralee goes to an ad break and 250,000 kettles switch on, the price of electricity needs to vary to take that into account and reward changes in behaviour. Committing to such a system would deliver massive savings, and would stimulate innovation in energy controls with tremendous export potential.

Conclusion

This plan can show the world that economic policy need not be a choice between stimulus and austerity measures. Ireland’s plan can be a stimulus specifically geared to make investments that are self-financing and that cut unnecessary expenditure and improve our balance of trade – a stimulus defined by investing in the cuts that help everyone. It is a plan to deliver energy security and economic growth, protect public health and the environment, and lay the building blocks for the recreation of Ireland as a just, forward-thinking, sustainable economy.


We know we have the natural resources.

We believe we have the entrepreneurial talent.

We must create the structures and programme to grasp this enormous opportunity for Ireland Inc.

Join the campaign for an energy revolution – sign the Energise Ireland petition

European Solar Days

As part of our  permanent interest and development of sustainable energy structures,

We are attending the Seminar ” European Solar Days” on Wednesday 11 may 2011

This event aims to promote the advantages of harnessing the energy of the sun and takes place at the EPA Headquarters, Johnstown Castle, Wexford – home to Ireland’s largest solar PV array.

Leading solar experts will speak and share their expertise and experiences with delegates who will be offered a rare, invaluable and in-depth understanding of the key principles and techniques in designing, installing and maintaining solar projects, as well as learning how solar energy can provide cost effective and ecological building solutions in Ireland. The day concludes with delegates being offered the unique opportunity to see first hand the roof-mounted solar PV system.
Ireland is committed to increasing the share of renewable energies in the overall energy mix to 20% by 2020. In light of the recent debates on Ireland’s energy mix, switching to solar energy is not only feasible, it is strongly desirable for Irish society as a whole. Today solar energy has the potential to make an important contribution to reaching this target.

High quality products and services are now available. Given the rapid technology advances both solar thermal and photovoltaics offer cost effective, reliable and low-maintenance systems and solutions across a range of projects including local authority buildings, hotels, schools, farms, sports clubs, nursing homes, leisure and community centre’s — in short anywhere with a constant, high and regular demand for hot water. Remember solar energy can be produced where it is needed, so it ensures energy independence at a local, regional and individual level. Let’s turn on the sun!

PROGRAMME

09.45 Registration

10.15 Welcome Introduction- Solar in Ireland
Paul Dykes, SEAI REIO

10.30 Legislative Framework – Solar in the Built Environment 
Sean Armstrong, Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government

10.50 Dispelling the Solar Myth – Evacuated Tube versus Flat Plate 
William Comerford, Kingspan Renewables

11.10 The Practicalities of Installing Solar Thermal – Designing, Sizing and Maintaining a Solar System 
Jonathan Kennedy, FÁS

11.30 Solar Air Heating – A Technology Overview 
Bill Quigley, NuTech

11.50 Meeting the Demand in Non-Residential Buildings 
Ger O’Donohue, Igneus Energy

Question & Answer Session followed by lunch

13.15 Equipping Ireland with PV 
Tim Cooper, Coolpower

13.40 Solar Microgeneration with PV 
Gene Hourihane, Sunstream

14.00 Pushing the PV Boundaries 
Dr. Mazhar Bari, Solarprint

14.20 Question & Answer Session 

Site visit to EPA HQ Rooftop PV Installation and Monitoring Equipment
Close

Detached house extension, Ballincollig, Co.Cork.

This is a one room extension, to accommodated a kitchen dining family room on a tight budget.

To keep the cost down, but bring the new build to a future proof standard,

We use traditional build method with wide cavity wall and also air tightness membrane, taping and triple glazing windows.

The client are delighted and said ” the extension is the the brightness  and warmer room in the house “.

house extension cork

house extension cork

house extension cork

house extension cork

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