2017 was another big year here at KORE. Like most businesses we’ve had our fair share of challenges, but it’s what we make of these times that truly sets us apart from the rest. We continued to prove that we are a team that works great together, collaborating on some of the biggest projects we’ve had in the history of the company. We’ve also celebrated some big milestones, and welcomed new team members as we continue to grow.
In the last post on the KORE Blog in 2017, we’ll take a look back at the year and see just how far we’ve come and some of the success that we’ve enjoyed.
1. We continued to insulate Ireland at a record pace
In 2017 KORE continued to offer two of our most popular schemes, the KORE Warmer Homes Scheme and the KORE Energy Efficiency Scheme with Electric Ireland.
The KORE Warmer Homes Scheme helps vulnerable sectors of society and those facing energy poverty. With funding from SEAI, KORE and it’s dedicated network of contractors retrofit hundreds of homes at no cost to the homeowner. These free measures included cavity wall insulation, attic insulation, ventilation and draught proofing, helping to reduce energy spend and associated carbon emissions. We continue to receive positive feedback on the works being carried out through this scheme, and are happy to announce additional qualifying criteria will be added to the scheme in 2018. You can learn more about the inclusion of Domiciliary Care Allowance here.
In addition, KORE’s Energy Efficiency Incentive with Electric Ireland continued to offer electricity and gas bill discounts to customers who upgraded energy efficiency measures in their homes. Available nationwide, this scheme has helped homeowners fund upgrades through energy bill discounts, and when available, cash grants under SEAI’s Better Energy Homes Scheme. We look forward to continuing to offer this incentive in 2018.
2. KORE’s Insulated Foundation System was part of the largest Passive House development in Ireland
One of our biggest achievements of the year was the use of our insulated foundation system for the Silken Park Citywest development. Consisting of 59 houses, this is the largest certified Passive House development in Ireland to date. KORE’s Insulated Foundation System enabled Durkan Residential to plan and design a complete insulation system while achieving ground floor U-values as low as 0.10W/m²K. With the use of our innovative foundation system, the project was able to stay on track with its 12-week build schedule.
You can learn more about the Silken Park Development in our case study and in Passive House Plus Magazine.
3. We listened to our customers and continued to improve
We wouldn’t be where we are today without our customers. In 2017, we took it upon ourselves to conduct customer research and interviews so we could find out what we were doing well, and where we needed to improve. Based on this valuable feedback, we now have our targets for 2018 so that we can continue to offer best in class service and a consistent, high quality product.
4. We received a high commendation for our Insulated Foundation System
KORE received a “high commendation” from SEAI for our Insulated Foundation System’s entry in the Energy Show 2017 Product of the Show Award’s Best Innovative Product category!
5. We celebrated 20 years in business
2017 marked over 20 years in business for Airpacks Ltd t/a KORE Insulation! On 22nd July we celebrated this achievement with friends and family at the Hotel Kilmore in Cavan. In addition to the celebration, we were pleased to announce a number of awards given to our staff and business partners! Read more about KORE’s 20th anniversary celebration.
6. We released BIM files for our insulation solutions
In an effort to offer and support our customers in the best way possible, KORE worked hard to release BIM files for a number of our products, including floor insulation, wall insulation and roof insulation. These BIM objects were released as a whole-home insulation package, making quality planning and design easier for those in the architecture, engineering and construction space! You can download our latest BIM files directly on the KORE website.
7. The KORE team continued to grow
We welcomed several people to the KORE team in 2017, including our technical manager Alan Carr and office administrator Leighanne Fay. Several members of the team also celebrated milestones, including 10 years for Steven Magee, and 20 years for Noel Brady and Terence Galligan!
8. You can now find KORE products at a number of stockists
In 2017 we made finding and purchasing KORE products even easier! In addition to celebrating the launch of the KORE Online Store, you can now find KORE products, including our floor insulation, at a number of physical locations including (among many others):
- Wogan Build Centre – Drogheda, Co. Louth
- Etag Fixings Ltd – Ashbourne, Co. Meath
- Brooks Group – Dublin, Galway & Cork
9. We celebrated the success of the 2017 Cavan Better Energy Communities Scheme
With partial funding from SEAI, KORE managed a deep retrofit scheme that included 10 private homes, 3 community organisations and 2 local area businesses, including the KORE factory itself! We achieved energy ratings as high as A1! On 6th December, KORE celebrated the success of this scheme with Damien English, T.D., Minister for Housing and Urban Development, John Flynn & Stephen Farrell from SEAI, Senator Joe O’Reilly and the scheme participants, including Breffni Insulation, Cooper Insulation, Eco Home Insulation, Barleystone Paving, Belturbet Community Development Association, Killinkere G.F.C and Ramor G.F.C, among many others!
Thank you to all our valued customers
Without you these successes wouldn’t be possible, and we like to extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who has been along with us on this journey. We’ve had a great time in 2017, and we’re excited to see what 2018 has in store!