Conference points to 20% energy savings through better building design 08/04/04
Media Information 08 April 2004
Conference points to 20% energy savings through better building design
Better planning, design and specification of commercial and public sector buildings in Ireland can yield energy savings of over 20%. That’s according to Kevin O’Rourke, Head of Built Environment, Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) who was speaking at the Sustainable Energy in Building Design Conference in Tullamore, Co Offaly.
Delegates at the conference heard that buildings using the latest technologies and design techniques can have significant long-term financial benefits. “The use of clean, smart and proven technologies, along with intelligent building design, is cost effective, provides a pleasant and productive working environment, and insulates businesses from future energy price increases. The key is for architects and engineers to work very closely together from the earliest stages of the design process”, said Mr. O’Rourke.
The award winning Áras an Chontae building in Tullamore was chosen as the venue for the Conference as being one of the best Irish examples of an energy efficient building which is cost effective and high quality as a working environment. It is one of over 70 public sector buildings that have received funding support from SEI for investment in more sustainable energy features.
According to Kevin O’Rourke, “Commercial and public sector buildings are responsible for almost one fifth of Ireland’s national energy use - costing €1 billion and representing 8 million tonnes of CO2 emissions annually. This sector’s energy demand grew by 30% in the four year period from 1998 to 2002. The Sustainable Energy in Building Design Conference was designed to examine the alternatives for the design community and presents an opportunity to share ideas and information on sustainable design going forward”.
Mr. O’Rourke also made reference to increasing energy costs due to a range of proposed new measures. “The proposed introduction of a carbon tax in Ireland will increase oil and gas prices. Combined with the EU emissions trading scheme, which will commence on 1st January next, resulting in an electricity price increase, the potential increase in energy costs is over 10%”, he said.
“With this in mind it is imperative that those involved in the design, construction and management of commercial and public sector buildings should examine all energy-saving options at their disposal,” Mr. O’Rourke concluded.
The conference also examined impending policy developments, and explored options for improving energy performance and reducing environmental emissions in Ireland’s built environment. Delegates also discussed the fact that a new EU Directive on Energy Performance of Buildings will make energy a visible factor in the process of property purchase and rental.
SEI also announced further details of the Energy Show 2004, which takes place in the RDS Industries Hall, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 on the 12th and 13th May 2004. Over 50 companies are now confirmed to exhibit at the Show including ESB, the Irish Solar Energy Association and Cylon Controls. The event will cover all aspects of energy efficiency and renewable energy through a combination of exhibition and workshops and participants and attendees are being encouraged to sign up early.
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For further information please contact:
Cormac Bradley/Diarmuid O’Neill
Edelman
01-6789333 / 087 6171241
Editors Notes:
About SEI
Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI), formerly the Irish Energy Centre, was established on May 1st 2002, as a statutory authority charged with promoting and assisting the development of sustainable energy. SEI is funded by the Irish Government under the National Development Plan 2000 – 2006 with programmes part-financed by the European Union.
