undertaken in Dundalk relating to: (i) the Masterplanning in Dundalk, and (ii) Optimisation of existing systems in Dundalk.
Figure 1.3: Dundalk test site map – Google Maps
In Dundalk there are a number of currently active sustainable projects (social housing, water and waste water treatment, public lighting, roads and economic development) allowing Dundalk to become Ireland’s first sustainable energy community. Regarding the Sustainable Transport Project, the decision stemmed from a national policy initiative. The project objectives were to reduce car use and promote walking and cycling to schools. Regarding the Smart Eco Hub and the new data centre operation in Blanchardstown there were economic benefits. In all projects there is a strong collaboration between research institutions, private companies and public bodies at local and national level. The public body role is to promote the overall project and lead a multidisciplinary team of engineers, behavioural change experts and teachers to change behaviour in three target schools and six observers schools. The public authorities interviewed have pointed out that before undertaking the sustainable project, they looked at similar projects in European cities and gathered guidance and data from these. In particular, Holland and Denmark offered the best contexts for similar projects, with aspects of these proving very useful for an Irish context. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland states that “a Building Energy Rating (BER) is an indication of the energy performance of a home. It covers energy use for space heating, water heating, ventilation and lighting calculated on the basis of standard occupancy” [2]. A BER assessment and certificate may be compulsory to sell a building or shortly after its construction. Methods of calculations and legislations related to BER may be different from one country to another. BER was created as a tool to help monitoring and improving building energy efficiency. In the Republic of Ireland, each new dwelling built from January 1, 2007 requires a BER, unless the planning application for its construction was lodged prior to December 31, 2006. From January 1, 2009, it became 30/09/2014
Grant No. 608775
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