By Lisa Downey, KORE
Commercial buildings in Ireland are diverse with varying forms such as factories, offices, supermarkets, farms and more, and although it seems challenging from the outset with such diversity, all of these buildings can upgrade their energy efficiency with measures such as insulation, heating, ventilation, lighting, refrigeration, and more.
KORE Retrofit have upgraded manufacturing facilities, bakeries, shops, funeral homes, convents and offices, all receiving huge financial benefits from their energy savings, but also seeing huge improvements in employee health, wellbeing and productivity, as well as the positive impact on the environment…Let’s take a look at some case studies
Case Studies of commercial retrofit
Ice-cream treats is an award-winning ice-cream manufacturer in Co. Cavan, famous for their Moo’d ice cream parlours found across Ireland. In 2020, they worked with KORE Retrofit to install 11kWh of solar PV at their production facility to generate their own electricity, reduce their energy usage and protect the environment.
Measures & Savings:
- 11 kWh of Trina Solar PV installed
- 10,050 kWh of energy generated per year
- €1,512 euros saved per year approximately
- 6,492kgCo2 carbon emissions saved per year
National University of Ireland, Galway is committed to a sustainable future for its students, faculty and environment, and worked with KORE Retrofit in 2020 on a number of buildings with varying upgrade measures, and as you can see below, huge energy savings and a huge success.
For NUIG these energy efficiency upgrades were not implemented for financial gain, but for environmental and student benefits. Michaeal Curran, head of building services, energy & utilities explains:
‘The main savings are not financial it’s the reduction in our primary energy and CO2 levels on campus, these savings ensure our campus is a leading university. It’s important to achieve these targets as we have found student applications are now based on the Green credentials of the university’.
Considering the large financial and energy savings when retrofitting a commercial building, there is a huge increase in employee wellbeing and productivity when working in a well ventilated and comfortable environment. According to the World Green Building Council, staff performance decreases by 6% when the environment is too hot, and 4% when too cold, this reduction leads to absenteeism and sickness, which can hugely affect a company when 90% of operations costs are associated with staff costs, and when looki
ng at improving the productivity by one or two percent, it could have a significant impact on the company.
The KORE Retrofit office was upgraded in 2017 with insulation, renewable energy heat pump, upgraded ventilation, and the employee benefits far outweifght the financial for Director Pauric Kavanagh- ‘We upgraded the insulation, heating and ventilation in our offices, and now the employees experience a consistent temperature around the building, with fresh indoor air quality and year-round comfort. We have seen an increase in employees wellness, and decreased sickness, especially during the colder winter months’.
Commercial Retrofit Grants
KORE Retrofit work as project coordinators with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) who offer grant funding of up to 30% on energy efficiency upgrade measures that will help offset initial costs and reduce the payback period.
70% of businesses in Ireland report that corporate social responsibility is a priority for them, with community and environmental commitment ranking in seniority. With extensive support and grants available for businesses, now is the time to upgrade and reap the value added benefits of commercial retrofit. Check out this website to see how you can apply for 2022.
Heads up from IGBC:
If you are interested in retrofit, you can’t miss Renovation Wave 2021, our annual conference on Energy Renovation. During the event you will hear about the latest policy developments at EU and national level, including our energy renovation framework for local authorities, and learn about exciting non-residential case studies. Register here.
About KORE Retrofit
KORE Retrofit has been an SEAI project coordinator for retrofit works since 2014, with the sole purpose of offering a one-stop shop retrofit service, from administration of grant funding through to completion of the work itself, for domestic, commercial and community buildings. The experienced and dedicated team work with you to deliver the best upgrade solutions that will support your energy saving goals, and our fight against climate change.
About SEAI
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) was established as Ireland’s national energy authority under the Sustainable Energy Act 2002. SEAI works with householders, businesses, communities and the government to create a cleaner energy future.