Learn and Upskill

The National Insulation Association of Ireland (NIAI) hosted a seminar during the SEAI Energy Show (RDS, 30-31 March 2022) on the importance of deep retrofit and how a fabric first approach incorporation insulation is essential to realise Ireland's energy and carbon reduction targets. Other key factors that are an essential part of the overall package, such as airtightness and new technologies, will also be discussed.

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Ireland's energy system is transforming. At the heart of this, innovative solutions are being developed. These solutions will deliver cleaner energy for our homes, businesses and communities.

Research has a critical role to play in overcoming emerging energy markets. And this session focused on researchers in industry and academia. Their projects will foster knowledge and innovation in the Irish Marketplace.

Speakers covered their competitive energy-related products, processes, and systems. They discussed real-world examples of research informing solutions and showed how businesses can keep their competitiveness on their journey to decarbonisation.

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Digitalisation of the construction process is now recognised as the way forward to realise net zero energy and carbon buildings. BIM(Building Information Modelling) is the tool that will make the transformation possible.

BIM can transform traditional information processes into data that is easier analysed. It can then be shared across the AEC sector so that architects, engineers and contractors communicate on a common platform.

However, as with all new processes and technologies, there is a learning curve for those involved.

This breakfast briefing comprised of a panel discussion between experts from each of the key construction disciplines who shared their experience and opinions on how BIM can best be utilised, and how the various challenges posed can be met.

Moderator/facilitator:

• Paul McCormack, Innovation Manager, Belfast Metropolitan College and lead on the EU BIMCert and ARISE programmes

Panel members:

• Eamonn Sheils, Programme Manager – Commercial Retrofit, SEAI,
• Michael Curran, Chairman, CIBSE Ireland and Head of Building Services, Energy & Utilities, NUIG;
• Michael Early, RIAI BIM Champion and BIM Manager, DAA;
• Dr Avril Behan, Project Director, Build Digital Project
• Joseph Mady, founder and Managing Director, Digital Construction Technologies (DCT) and BIM Champion, CIF’s Mechanical & Electrical Contractors Association (M&ECA).

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The Government's plan to address Climate change includes ambitious targets. This session focused particularly on the targets relating to the retrofit non-domestic buildings. It will discuss some of the challenges and opportunities to meet these goals.

Discussions were around a holistic approach to retrofitting of buildings, bringing the reduction in energy requirements to the fore.

Speakers covered some of the main pressing questions faced by those designing and managing non-domestic buildings in today’s current climate. All speakers have extensive experience in their particular topic and have worked for many years within the construction industry.

The sub-topics included within this session are outlined below:

• Challenges to Commercial Retrofit Ventilation Energy efficiency & Covid
• Façade Upgrades and Carbon Reduction in Commercial Retrofit                                                             
• Benefits of Building Digitalisation & Optimisation

This session is both practical and relevant for anyone designing, constructing and supplying these projects.

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The public sector is 34% more energy efficient than in 2009. It exceeded its 33% energy efficiency target set out for 2020. The public sector focus now shifts to the next decade and the challenging targets set out for 2030.

The Climate Action Plan 2021 (CAP 21) outlines an energy related Green House Gas (GHG) target of 51% CO2 reduction by 2030. Achieving the GHG target is one of, if not the primary, target that public bodies and sectors must achieve. It also requires large public bodies to develop Climate Action roadmaps. This is to achieve their 2030 targets. It includes 51% of renewable space heating, and to develop wider Climate Mandates.

The first part of the session covers progress to date on the energy efficiency target. It will look at actions taken and a detailed overview of the 2030 GHG reduction target methodology. It will cover an overview of potential pathways to 2030.

Public bodies then present on their pathway to 2030 analysis. They cover actions being undertaken now and planned. And finally, how SEAI's supports are being utilised to mobilise for 2030.

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SEAI EXEED (Excellence in Energy Efficient Design) is a certification program. It helps businesses achieve the best energy performance. It applies an approach to project design and implementation for new or upgraded buildings and processes.

The SEAI EXEED program provides grant support. It also provides a structured approach to energy efficient design management. This maximises the lifecycle of energy and carbon performance.

The grant provides support of up to €1,000,000 per project. This goes to help businesses embed energy efficient design in their investment projects. It is open to private businesses and public sector organisations who are planning an investment project.

It is relevant to:

• Brand new buildings and facilities
• Upgrades or re-purposing of existing buildings and facilities
• Manufacturing processes

This session gives an overview of the SEAI EXEED programme. It provides case study examples from organisations. These organisation have all implemented these Energy Efficient Design principles within project investments.

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Are you using fossil fuel to generate heat in your business?

The Support Scheme for Renewable Heat (SSRH) it makes real business sense. It gives businesses the opportunity to convert to a renewable heat source. You save money and reduce your carbon footprint dramatically.

The Support Scheme for Renewable Heat is a government funded initiative. It is designed to increase the energy generated from renewable sources in the heat sector.

The scheme is open to:

• commercial,
• industrial,
• agricultural,
• district heating,
• public sector

and other non-domestic heat users not covered by the emissions trading system.

This scheme will contribute to meeting Ireland’s renewable energy targets. It will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The government funded scheme offers two alternative support options;

• a grant for heat pump systems, or
• ongoing operational aid for biomass or biogas heating systems

This workshop explains the SSRH, how it could work for you and how to apply to SEAI for support. It will also allow time for questions and discussion on any aspect of the scheme. The workshop is relevant to any non-domestic fossil fuel user and any business in the renewable heat supply chain.

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Electric Vehicle (EV) registrations in Ireland in 2021 grew by over 130%. This is creating unprecedented demand for vehicles and infrastructure. EVs continue to fill out all segments of the car market. They are rapidly moving to fill the commercial fleet segments.

Energy prices have bounced back following the low price period experienced during COVID. This is sending inflation soaring to 5.5% in 2021 and putting pressure on people’s pockets. But, EVs can reduce annual energy costs by 70%.

There is a looming ban on petrol and diesel car sales coming in 2030. The annual escalation of carbon taxes set to reach €100 per tonne by then. So, the race is on to switch to electric vehicles.

This quick-fire session will tell you all you need to know about EV progress in Ireland. It will cover all supports available to you. We wil address the latest technologies and issues concerning consumers. You will also hear first-hand what it is like to replace a large commercial fleet of vehicles with EVs from An Post.

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SEAI's delivery team go through the requirements and specifications for businesses working on the One Stop Shop programme.

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