GAS AND RENEWABLES PARTNER REDUCE EMISSIONS AT AWARD-WINNING DEVELOPMENT
Leading developers are continuing to use natural gas to deliver secure, affordable and sustainable homes that meet Near Zero Energy Building (NZEB) Standards. This was the finding of a new case study demonstrated by Gas Networks Ireland’s Residential Connections Manager Lar Burke, at the Irish Home Builders Association’s (IHBA) Housebuilding Summit.
The case study featured the Cosgrave Groups’ award winning Bridgefield and Pappan Grove development in Santry, Dublin. This development of 250 apartment homes, spread over three six storey and one five story buildings, is powered by a combination of central gas boilers, gas fuelled combined heat and power (CHP) units and commercial electric heat pumps.
The mix of technologies delivers an A2 BER rating and lower energy costs for residents. Smart technology allows residents to monitor their heating and hot water from their phone. Hot water is available 24 hours a day and can be remotely controlled, allowing for people to heat their apartment before they arrive home. Crucially, in each apartment, there is no water tank or gas boiler, meaning more space for storage or living.
During his presentation addressing sustainable energy in homes, Mr Burke explored the benefits of a central plant in apartment block developments, including other elements that ensure compliance with Part L 2019 of the building regulations and how renewable gas and the introduction of hydrogen into the gas network will continue to decarbonise already A2 BER rated homes.
Speaking about the event, Mr Burke said: “With the dramatic increase in the development of apartments as part of Ireland’s housing stock and the need to build more sustainably, Gas Networks Ireland is focused on providing solutions for homebuilders.
“Homeowners definitely want sustainable solutions. But they want solutions that are familiar and affordable. This award-winning development shows the role that natural gas is playing in modern homes.
“Longer term, we will see a role for renewable gasses such as biomethane and hydrogen to decarbonise heating in Ireland. Gas Networks Ireland is working to facilitate the development of innovative technologies to address Ireland’s carbon challenge.”
The Irish Home Builders Association’s Virtual Summit explored a wide range of topics relative to the industry including how to accelerate the delivery of affordable and sustainable homes. The event allowed for a sharing of ideas and case studies to promote best practice.
To view the full case study, visit https://www.gasnetworks.ie/home/gas-benefits/case-studies/bridgefield/
Denise Maguire Editor of Irish Construction Industry Magazine
