Residential Energy Upgrades

About the Award

This category recognises those who embrace the pursuit of sustainable energy by designing and/or delivering energy upgrades to existing homes. Applicants should strive to achieve user-centred low-carbon homes.

Applications should demonstrate:

• how the design and/or delivery of energy upgrade works explicitly achieves greater sustainability,
• upgrading existing homes in a holistic sense,
• energy performance,
• emissions,
• indoor air (and environmental) quality,
• the sustainability of materials used, etc.

The subject of the design should be in everyday use.

Who should apply?

Applicants might include architects, contractors, energy agencies, housing associations, local authorities, etc.

Previously shortlisted projects include:

SOLA Energy Solutions 

SOLA Energy Solutions is a provider and installer of renewable energy systems for the new build and retrofit market. On behalf of Tipperary County Council, SOLA upgraded BER ‘G’ rated houses built in 1966. They achieved a BER ‘A’ rating using energy-efficient renewable technology and materials. SOLA is instrumental in the implementation of energy efficiency upgrade measures. The company showcases what a small local employer can achieve with the right skills and team around them. This project is an excellent reflection on the available workforce and what standards can be performed on homes throughout Ireland. Since 2015, Sola has completed over 200 full house energy upgrades. 

Electric Ireland Superhomes 

Electric Ireland Superhomes is a joint venture between Tipperary Energy Agency and Electric Ireland. Established in 2021, it aims to upscale the home retrofit One Stop Shop model. Itprovides homeowners with expert guidance and support.  It  aims to empower customers to achieve warmer, healthier, low-carbon homes. Its whole house solution has a fossil fuel-free, renewable energy-focused approach. With a heat pump at its core, it results in lower energy bills and significantly reduced carbon emissions. This work contributes to the overall achievement of Ireland’s national climate targets. In 2021 they delivered 105 homes with over 80% achieving a BER ‘A’ rating. 

SSE Airtricity 

SSE Airtricity provides energy-related services to home and business customers. The Limerick 2021 Energy Efficiency Upgrade Project carried out significant energy upgrade work. It has already helped in the advancement of energy efficiency technologies. It focussed on 59 Local Authority homes with an average BER ‘D” rating enhancing them to a BER ‘A’ rating. This project was part of a government initiative. SSE partnered with Limerick City & County Council. Their goal was to upgrade properties which had been identified as most in need of energy efficiency upgrades. They implemented advanced insulation, heat pumps, solar panels, and batteries. They generated combined energy savings from this project to a 90% improvement. They reduced carbon emissions by 340 tonnes of CO2 per year. The Limerick 2021 Energy Efficiency Upgrade Project will have a lasting impact on the community. 

STUDIO NEGRI 

STUDIO NEGRI has been involved in residential deep retrofits since 2010. It promotes the use of natural materials and focuses on carbon reduction. It works on transforming old buildings to high energy performance. It does this by using renewable energy sources. Transforming old buildings, they have upgraded all building types in an innovative way. The focus is on projects that extend the future lifecycle of these properties. House types achieving BER ‘A’ ratings range from protected structures built in the 1830's, to a semi-detached house built in the 1970's. STUDIO NEGRI demonstrates that by using the approach of reduce, reuse, recycle and retrofit, old structures can be transitioned into Nearly Zero Energy Buildings. 

Application guidelines

1. Please submit your application online by 5pm Friday 7th July.
2. You are eligible to apply under more than one category. Simply follow the online guidelines and copy and paste your application to a new category and amend your answers as appropriate.
3. Please ensure all mandatory fields are completed before you hit submit.
4. Please complete the 'Data' section to the best of your ability.
5. Once you submit, you can still edit your application up to the deadline date.
6. Please keep attachments to 5MB or less.
7. Shortlisted applications will be announced in August.