Conor McGinn, Managing Director of sustainability building consultancy, SystemCore, discusses the importance of energy retrofits and asset rejuvenation. He details how an existing building can significantly reduce its embodied carbon emissions by reusing the existing structure and aligning with the principles of a circular economy. I undertook my first sustainable retrofit in 2012 with the...Read More
AI FrameworkExcitement around artificial intelligence (AI) has reached the building sector, with applications now found in architectural design, building modelling and in market valuation. Given that people spend approximately 90% of their lives indoors, buildings have the potential to significantly enhance people’s health and wellbeing, writes Jodie Pimentel, Chief Counsel, International WELL Building Institute PBC...Read More
EVHACS, the innovative Irish company known for creating the world’s first integrated heat pump and EV charger, has appointed Órlaith Gillen as its new Senior Technical Sales Engineer. EVHACS leads the charge in sustainable technology by offering a versatile platform that seamlessly integrates electric vehicle charging with heat pumps and air conditioning systems. This innovative...Read More
Ireland has a legally-binding target of net-zero GHG emissions by 2050. Energy efficiency and renewable technologies have become priorities in EU policy and legislation, and the decarbonisation of heat is a key part of the government’s plans to achieve our targets. Here Paula Lynch, SEAI’S Programme Manager, Business Supports – SSRH, explains the support options...Read More
In EFCA’s last article, we gave an initial analysis of the EU elections and reflected on what the impact of the hard-right leaning grouping of parties in the European Parliament might mean for legislation aimed at improving sustainability in the built environment. Since then, the new European Parliament started its term and took a summer...Read More
As an Irish engineer who spent over six years living in Australia and became a dual citizen, I have an appreciation of what both nations do well and areas where we could improve collaboration. For example, as a Waterford native, I strongly believe that the “Waterford Blaa” would be an excellent addition to an Australian...Read More
For several years the market for heat pumps has been booming in Europe, but the most recent figures show a significant slowdown of heat pump deployment across Europe. However, Ireland seems to be bucking that trend with increased sales numbers across 2023. Building Services Engineering recently spoke with Enrique Vilamitjana, Managing Director at Panasonic Heating,...Read More
After 47 years in the industry, Jim Wheatley of McKeon Group has decided to step down and enjoy his retirement. Widely-known and respected both within McKeon Group and the industry at large, Jim is a keen advocate for continuous education, up-skilling and mentoring. More than anything else he believes that clear and honest communication is...Read More
Elections, elections, elections … Have you had enough yet? How many times have we heard this year that, across the world, there are more national and other elections in 2024 than ever before? Do these elections really matter? How do they impact the consulting engineering sector? The European Federation of Engineering Consultancy Associations (EFCA) thinks...Read More
The CIBSE touch rugby tournament, sponsored by Lindab, proved a huge success with a number of new teams participating in this year’s event. Held once again at Coolmine RFC, the occasion was quite competitive but played out in a friendly and fun-filled atmosphere. It was all the more enjoyable that the evening was warm and...Read More
