Renovation Wave - Deep Energy Renovation of Historic Buildings in Ireland
Overview
Country:
Ireland
Level of Outreach:
National
Field of Interest(s):
Green and sustainable construction (e.g. circular economy, demolition phase, waste reduction in constructions, application of circular design principles, integrating sustainability and circular economy principles into procurement processes), Energy efficiency and renewable energy (e.g. building envelope and thermal performance, renewable energy technologies, insulation, air tightness and ventilation, heat pumps and photovoltaics), Digitalization & industrialization (e.g. integrating AI practices, using CAD software for 2D and 3D, industrialized and modular construction, use of prefabricated building systems)
Supported By:
EU
Description
The objective of this contract was to provide analysis, technical case studies, recommendations and trainings to support national authorities enhance guidance and investment for improving the energy performance of historic buildings, including protected buildings.
Project/Initiative Data
Project/Initiative Website:
https://reform-support.ec.europa.eu/what-we-do/green-transition/deep-energy-renovation-historic-buildings-ireland_en
Start Date:
January 1, 2023
End Date:
February 28, 2025
Total Budget:
€556,400
What makes this project/initiative unique?:
It addresses to a variety of European priorities (e.g. the aforementioned European Skills Agenda, the European Green Deal or the Digital Agenda), It identifies the training needs for developing adequate programs in respect of trasversal skills, promotion and attractiveness of construction industry, energy efficiency, digitalization, green and sustainable construction
Partners
The project was implemented by Trinomics, Technological University of the Shannon (TUS), Shaffrey Architects, and Passivate Building Energy Consultants, and supported the Office of Public Works and Limerick City and County Council through 1) developing technical energy renovation case studies for four historic buildings in Ireland; 2) performing embodied carbon and cost-benefit analyses to assess carbon emissions-related, environmental and economic impacts; 3) a training programme to transfer knowledge; and 4) developing guidelines for establishing a sustainable local/regional investment fund for the renovation of historical buildings.
Aim
The Renovation Wave Strategy proposed by the European Commission aims to double the annual energy renovation rate and promote deep renovations to improve energy and resource efficiency over the next decade. Retrofitting traditional and historic buildings is more complex than modern buildings due to several factors: heritage value must be preserved, hygrothermal risks managed, and suitable low-carbon insulation materials, often unsupported by grants, should be prioritized. Additionally, there is a shortage of skilled workers, requiring widespread knowledge dissemination and upskilling across the sector.
This study developed four case studies on energy upgrades for various types of historic public sector buildings, including protected structures, to provide practical examples of traditional building renovations for the OPW and private practitioners. A holistic cost-benefit analysis was also conducted as part of this study to demonstrate the value of energy-efficient renovations. A training program was created to ensure knowledge transfer among stakeholders involved in the renovation of traditional buildings. Finally, guidelines were produced to support the establishment of a sustainable investment mechanism for the renovation of historic buildings at the local/regional level in Ireland.
An in person training event was held over 3 days to upskill the OPW architects, engineers, surveyors and building works specifiers, government departments, local authority officials, and private expert organisations. Upon completion of the course, the 150 in-person participants and 200 online participants from the architecture, engineering and surveying professions, were better equipped to support the government in meeting its ambitious targets as set out in its National Renovation Strategy.
Target Groups:
AEC industry, national authorities, educators, policymakers
Outcomes
Results of the project/initiative:
The project served to further improve Ireland’s capacity to renovate historical buildings from a technical and financial perspective, through supporting the Office of Public Works in strengthening capacity and awareness to accelerate the renovation of historical buildings, and through advising the Limerick City and County Council on how to establish a sustainable local/regional investment fund for renovating historical buildings.
The project results will contribute to enhancing energy efficiency in heritage properties under state care, aligning with broader climate change mitigation goals.
Replication of Good Practice
Training/skills, Transfer of knowledge, Outreach, Career moves, Entrepreneurship/SMEs Opportunities
Organisation & Contact
Organisation:
Private Sector organization
| Name of Organisation | Trinomics |
|---|---|
| Town/City | Limerick |
| Coordinator E-Mail | info@trinomics.eu |
| Coordinator Website | https://trinomics.eu/ |
| Name of The Person Responsible | Koen Rademaekers |