Ireland - passivehouseplus.co.uk

The private speculative sector can’t build affordable housing, but there are other ways of achieving this, writes architect Mel Reynolds.

Leading renewable energy experts Energywise Ireland have opened their brand new showroom in Blackpool, Cork City.

The German-Irish Chamber of Commerce hosted a study group to Germany last month to examine the energy efficiency of buildings there.

The SuperHomes Ireland retrofit scheme is open for applications for 2017. The scheme is designed to help homeowners retrofit their properties to an A3 BER standard.

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) is inviting businesses to come to the Energy Show 2017, the premier business energy event taking place at the RDS, Dublin on Wednesday 5 and Thursday 6 April.

Questions have been raised about ventilation standards under the government’s new Warmth & Wellbeing scheme, which provides free energy efficiency upgrades to people over the age of 55 living in Dublin 12 and 24, who experience energy poverty and are also suffering from respiratory conditions.

Report author Prof Diana Ürge-Vorsatz praises “fantastic” Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown passive house policy

Leading timber frame manufacturer Cygnum picked up five awards during one week in October, in recognition of some of the high profile passive-certified projects it has completed in recent years.

ISH, the world’s “leading trade fair for the bathroom experience, building services, energy, air-conditioning technology and renewable energies” takes place from 14 to 18 March 2017 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany.

At the time of going to press, the Department of Housing, Planning, Community & Local Government was set to imminently launch a public consultation on a major revision to Part L of the building regulations for buildings other than dwellings.

Isover Ireland has announced the launch of SpecHub, an innovative new specification and project tracking service. This new service allows registered users access to a host of technical information including CAD and BIM files, access to Isover’s technical team, as well as direct information on Isover Academy training courses and CPDs. 

Coillte Group’s wood panel manufacturing subsidiary, Medite Smartly, has engaged EcoReview Ireland for the provision of an innovative life cycle assessment application.

Ecological Building Systems has updated its Irish training programme for the autumn and winter season. Along with its award winning airtightness installer training, the company will launch a new course titled Low Energy Retrofits. To coincide with this Ecological will be also hold a Retrofit Insulation Masterclass on the 25 and 27 October.  

Cork based cellulose insulation manufacturer Ecocel has won a bronze Green Apple award, the prestigious international award for the built environment and architectural heritage. The award was presented to Ecocel’s managing director John Egan at a ceremony on 8 August in London.  

Leading passive house design and product supplier Young Design Build has announced that it has become the Irish and UK agent for D&M solar shading, the leading German manufacturer of external shutter technology and blind solutions. Stephen Young of Young Design Build told Passive House Plus that D&M’s systems are designed to prevent overheating in buildings with large expanses of glass. 

Cork-based renewable heating, ventilation and electrical specialists Energywise Ireland has advised anyone undertaking a low energy build or upgrade project of the value of choosing a single M&E design, supply, installation and commissioning company to ensure smooth integration of all building services. 

Amvic Ireland, the Kildare-based manufacturer of insulated concrete formwork (ICF) systems for low energy and airtight buildings, is currently on site with two new ICF developments in the west of Ireland. 

Leading renewables supplier Origen Energy has launched the Robur K18 domestic gasfired heat pump to the Irish market. Robur’s gas-fired heat pumps also picked up the award for Best Energy Efficient Product at this year’s SEAI Energy Show awards.  

Leading passive house window supplier Ultimate Window & Door Solutions has announced the launch of its new range of Olympia HI triple-glazed, passive house suitable windows and doors to the Irish market. 

With Ireland’s renewed focus on delivery of new housing, the country’s leading assigned certification practice, i3PT Certification is urging designers and other certifiers to exercise due diligence in order to avoid replicating past errors. 

Kingspan Insulation has become the first insulation manufacturer to become a patron member of the Passive House Association of Ireland. The association, which is chaired by Dr Shane Colclough, aims to promote the passive house standard and fabricfirst building principles across the Irish construction industry as a whole.  

The Bambeau range of ecological and sustainable bamboo flooring, panelling and veneer solutions is now available in Ireland. The company offers a wide range of attractive, ecologically friendly and sustainably produced materials. 

Low energy building contractor and developer Linham Construction is currently on site with a new five-unit development in Fairview, Co Dublin. The project will feature five ultra low energy houses, all of which have already been sold to a housing association to provide for social housing needs in the area. 

Low energy building and airtightness specialists Partel have warned of the importance of ensuring any flat roof construction is properly designed to prevent interstitial condensation and the accumulation of moisture. 

As part of the Passive House Association of Ireland southern region programme of CPD in passive house building knowledge, members have kindly agreed to open their passive building projects for site visits as a learning resource for builders, architects, students, systems installers and potential clients.

SuperHomes, a groundbreaking project designed to help homeowners to upgrade their homes to an A3 BER is open for applications. 

Leading low energy and passive house builder Pat Doran Construction Ltd recently picked up two leading construction industry awards for its Enerphit-standard upgrade to an early 20th century house in Rathgar, Co Dublin.