Energy Efficiency, Airtightness & The Environment Archives - Page 7 of 8

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in Advice, Building methods, Construction drawings, Construction overview, Design, Energy Efficiency, Airtightness & The Environment, On site, Pre design

Modern construction methods in Ireland

Thanks to advances in technology, there are plenty of modern construction methods available in Ireland to build new or extend. In this article we cover: Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs): what it is and how to build with it Mass timber construction including Cross Laminated Timber (CLT): what it is and how to build with it […] More

by Andrew Stanway January 27, 2021, 3:38 pm
in Energy Efficiency, Airtightness & The Environment, News

July 2021 date for selling electricity back to the grid

The Department of Environment is launching a public consultation today (14th January 2021) to help design how the Microgeneration Support Scheme will operate. Homes, small businesses and farms that generate a small amount of energy from their on-site electricity system, often photovoltaic (PV) solar panels in the case of homeowners, are known as microgenerators. Homeowners […] More

by Astrid Madsen January 14, 2021, 9:41 am
in Ask the Expert, Choosing an architectural designer, Energy Efficiency, Airtightness & The Environment, Insulation and airtightness: Watchpoints, On site, Pre design, SB+ TV, Ventilation and heating systems: Watchpoints, Working out your requirements

How an energy consultant can save you money

The role of an energy consultant in a self-build – Self build energy consultant Eric Davidson of Reinco chats with Brian Corry of Selfbuild+ about the reasons why you need independent advice on the energy aspects of your design, including comparing technical details and quotations and making sure the house’s energy systems are adapated to […] More

by Selfbuild Live December 20, 2020, 9:32 pm
in Appointing a main contractor, Buying land with an existing house on it, Choosing the kitchen, Choosing windows and doors, Construction overview, Cost savers, Design, Energy Efficiency, Airtightness & The Environment, On site, Podcast, SB+ Podcasts, Securing planning permission, Working out your requirements

Ep 26 – Bungalow new build in Co Wicklow

Episode 26: First time self-builder David Dobbs, who happens to be an estate agent, shares his experience getting planning permission from Wicklow County Council and running into some trouble with his main contractor. He talks about:– How the existing cottage on the site helped secure planning permission– His bungalow design tips to add light and […] More

by Selfbuild Live December 14, 2020, 2:54 pm
in Ask the Expert, Energy Efficiency, Airtightness & The Environment, Pre design, SB+ TV

Pre Design: How eco will you go?

How eco will you go?: Self-build advisor John Corless delves into the question of energy efficiency, airtightness and the environment, and why the decision of how eco you want to go has to be taken early on. This, in large part, has to do with buidling a low energy home, and the need to commit […] More

by Astrid Madsen October 29, 2020, 4:43 pm
in Design, Energy Efficiency, Airtightness & The Environment, Heat emitters, Heating systems, Pre design, SB+ Podcasts

Ep 3 – Heating systems: what’s the best option for a self-build in Ireland?

Episode 3: We have a chat with Belfast-based energy advisor Patrick Waterfield about how you will generate heat and hot water in the home. Some of the main points we cover are: Boilers vs heat pumps Underfloor heating vs radiators Fabric first approach How the building regulations affect system choice The situation in NI ROI […] More

by Site Support September 14, 2020, 8:55 am
in Advice, Energy Efficiency, Airtightness & The Environment, Heating systems

What does climate change mean if you’re building a house?

Burning wood might not be as environmentally friendly as you think. In fact, burning solid fuels of all kinds is making us sick. The environmental world has come a long way since I wrote an article for this magazine on heating/energy choices for both new builds and occupied homes. In 2015 I did not mention […] More

by John Sodeau November 30, 2019, 10:00 am
in Advice, Design, Energy Efficiency, Airtightness & The Environment, Heating systems, Pre design, Ventilation

Guide to the new NZEB building regulations in Ireland

Changes to the ventilation and energy efficiency requirements come into force on the 1st of November in ROI for new and existing homes; here’s what you need to know. In this article we cover: There has been a continuing ramping up of minimum energy standards in buildings over the past 15 years as a response […] More

by Daniel Coyle November 1, 2019, 2:52 pm
in Advice, Energy Efficiency, Airtightness & The Environment, Extension/Renovation Advice, Interior Advice, Pre design

The overheating problem

How to design and retrofit homes to avoid overheating and maintain a comfortable temperature. In this article we cover: Architectural designers prioritise heat retention when building new homes and renovating existing ones yet overheating in homes is becoming a real problem. Stricter energy efficiency measures and external temperature rises caused by climate change and growing […] More

by John Scanlon May 9, 2019, 10:07 am
in Advice, Energy Efficiency, Airtightness & The Environment, Pre design

Ditch the chimney

If you want to build a house that’s cheap to build and run, replace the stove and central heating with high spec insulation/airtightness, a heat recovery ventilation unit and a few strategically placed electric radiators. You really can build a house without central heating, as long as you invest in the building fabric and can […] More

by Astrid Madsen April 6, 2018, 1:42 pm
in Advice, Basics, Design, Energy Efficiency, Airtightness & The Environment, Heat emitters, Heating systems, Pre design

Passive house: how to build without central heating

The most widespread standard to building a house that doesn’t require a centralised heating system comes from the Passive House Institute in Germany. Here are the basic precepts. This article covers: To qualify as a passive house from the Passive House Institute in Germany, you need to heat your home with very little energy, roughly […] More

by Astrid Madsen December 4, 2017, 9:41 am
1 Comment
in Advice, Basics, Energy Efficiency, Airtightness & The Environment, Extension/Renovation Advice, Pre design

Your guide to home insulation

As with all building elements, you must satisfy the requirements in the Building Regulations which includes making sure the product is NSAI Agrément (ROI) or BBA/LABC certified (NI). Then specify as much as you can afford to get the best possible U-value, above and beyond the current statutory requirements. Consult Technical Guidance Documents Part L […] More

by Astrid Madsen November 30, 2017, 12:57 pm