Energy Efficiency in Traditional Buildings: Introduction to Systems, Services and Renewables

Details

1-day course

CPD Credit: 6.5 hours, C1

In companyIn-company training available

Click here for further information on in-company courses or contact us at incompanycpd@engineersireland.ie for a customised quote.

Course Overview

This course is intended as an introduction to the complex retrofitting challenges presented by the traditional building stock in Ireland and the role of systems, services and renewable energy in those retrofit works.

Ireland has committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 51% by 2030 as part of the Climate Action Plan, including a reduction of 44-56% of the energy use of buildings. Traditional buildings, which typically use a large amount of energy per m2 and constructed of breathable materials, present a unique and complex set of challenges for this overall strategy- fabric changes may be limited by historically sensitive building elements, modern fabric upgrades are often inappropriate and may lead to unintended consequences, and the limitations set by building fabric and geometry may severely restrict the potential utilisation of heat pumps, solar PV and other technologies. This course is aimed to give engineers working in buildings or retrofit an overview of the primary elements to consider when tackling the retrofit of Ireland’s traditional buildings, and initial guidance on decision making methodologies relating to the same.

Course Programme

  • Climate change and Ireland’s targets.
  • Traditional Buildings – numbers and examples, general characteristics.
  • Challenges relating to fabric upgrades- breathability and heritage.
  • Group-based activity- identifying all of the specific challenges for an example building.

Learning Objectives

  • On completion of the programme, participants will be able to:
  • Understand what a traditional building is and the importance of retrofitting these buildings well
  • Understand the pros and cons of various systems, services and renewable technologies in the context of traditional buildings
  • Undertake a high-level analysis of the appropriateness of solar thermal or solar PV renewable energy systems in traditional buildings
  • Undertake a high-level analysis of the appropriateness of various heating systems
  • Identify underutilised methods for conserving energy in traditional buildings
  • Identify specific limitations facing the retrofit of traditional buildings, and the importance of accurate information and holistic design

Who Should Attend?

Engineers currently in or intending to enter the fields of building services, HVAC, energy, conservation, or general consultancy. A basic knowledge of energy is required.

Trainers Profile

Finnbar Howell BSc, MA, MSc, MIEI, CEA

Finnbar is an Energy Engineer and a Certified Energy Auditor through the association of energy engineers. He has been the Technical Director of KRA Renewables since 2018. Prior to that he worked as an Auditor in KPMG and a Data Analyst in the Vericlaim Group. Finnbar received his Masters in Renewable Energy from The Hanze University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands, having previously studied Writing and Astrophysics in UCD.

Finnbar is a co-author of the upcoming department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage document “Energy Efficiency in Traditional Buildings”, and is involved in a wide range of commercial, domestic and community projects in the energy efficiency, renewable energy and retrofit sectors, both for traditional and non-traditional structures

Steven Sherlock

Chartered & Registered Building Surveyor, Associate Director, and Building Surveying Team Lead

Steven Sherlock is an RICS & SCSI Chartered Building Surveyor and Registered Valuer with over 30 years of experience working with buildings in the Southwest of England. He is also an affiliate member of the IHBC. In this time, he has accumulated a wealth of detailed knowledge around the cause of defects and how to remedy them using both modern and traditional building techniques.

Steven specialises in Historic and Listed Buildings and provides comprehensive restoration services, including identification of defects through the surveying process, budget costings and cost control, design and specification of works, tendering and contract administration during the construction phase.

Steven acts as an expert witness in areas of contract dispute producing CP35 compliant reports and in other areas of conflict, including matrimonial, boundary, and valuation.  

Sustainability Badge

Engineers Ireland supports the Sustainable Development Goals. This event contributes to Engineers Ireland's Sustainability Framework.

Please contact the Team for further information on scheduled course dates and In-Company options. You can reach us by phone: 01 665 1305 or email cpdtraining@engineersireland.ie