A design competition for energy efficient home extensions is open for entries this July, it has been announced. ‘Sustainable Tipp’ is now accepting entries from all over Ireland for the best design of a home extension to NZEB (Near Zero Energy Building) standard. 

A Near Zero Energy Building is a house that has a very high energy performance, covered mostly by energy from renewable sources produced either on-site or nearby. There is a €3,000 prize fund for the best designs. 

Higher energy rating of B2

New energy rules for major home renovations and extensions came into effect on November 1, 2019. Under current building regulations, homeowners carrying out major renovations or extensions will be required to ensure the entire dwelling will meet a higher energy rating of B2 upon completion.

The competition is open to designers and homeowners nationally that have designed or added an extension to NZEB standard. Judging will be on the plans and details submitted to sustainabletipp.ie.   

Winners will be  announced  in  autumn  2020. The closing date for entries is July 31, 2020. The judging parameters and terms and conditions are all available here.