KORE held a ‘Get Future Ready’ event on October 5th 2018, at Castleknock Hotel, Dublin. The afternoon focused on the proposed Nearly Zero Energy Building (nZEB) building regulations, and the Deep Retrofit market.
Orla Coyle, SEAI Programme Manager – Near Zero Energy Buildings & High Performance Retrofit presented on the new nZEB building regulations as part of the Part L building regulations. Orla informed the audience of the new regulations, when they will come into effect and how it affects the domestic market.
Key points from Orla’s presentation:
- nZEB or Near Zero Energy Buildings is a regulation within the Part L Building regulations outlining that a buildings energy performance must be nearly zero or very low and must be covered by a significant amount of renewable resources.
- The nZEB regulation will apply from December 31st 2018 for all new Publicly owned or occupied buildings, and December 31st 2020 for all new buildings. As part of Part L there are transitional arrangements in place where buildings are occupied after these dates but work commenced prior to 31st December 2018.
- The requirements are currently out for Public Consultation, but what is proposed is a 25% improvement in energy performance for new homes based on the Part L Building Regulations 2011. These energy performance upgrades can include the use of heat pumps, boiler with increased PV, and various insulation systems including roof, wall and floor insulation.
- For existing buildings, a major renovation is defined as when “more than 25% of the surface area of the building envelope undergoes renovation.” Renovation must be technically, functionally, and economically feasible. Upgrades includes fabric, specifically external wall insulation, heating and controls.
For more information please see the SEAI website.
Andrew Butler, KORE’s Technical sales manager followed Orla’s presentation with how Kore products meet and exceed the nZEB regulations. KORE Fill, KORE External, KORE Insulated Foundation System and KORE Lock all meet and exceed the nZEB requirements. For example the floor target to achieve nZEB is a u-value of 0.15W/m2k, with the KORE Insulated Foundation System (below) you can achieve a u-value of 0.10W(/m2k), exceeding the nZEB standard.
For more information on how our products meet and exceed nZEB standards, please contact us now.There has been huge increase in energy efficiency upgrades in existing homes via the Deep Retrofit Pilot Programme. Kore has seen massive success with homes we have worked on via this scheme, and Kore’s Sales Director Caroline Ashe spoke about the learnings and opportunities of the Deep Retrofit Pilot Programme. Key learnings include- the need for at least 5 homes to apply for the scheme, to understand your customers budget realistically, and to manage their expectations at every step. The ‘up to 50% grant’ from SEAI is very important as it is not always 50%, SEAI require a significant amount of detail in respect to pricing and it is important to note with applications over €250,000 it must go to the board and may take two months longer. The good news is that the Deep Retrofit Pilot Programme has been flagged for a number of years and allows us to move forward in this developing market, helping upgrade existing homes and help create a more sustainable way of living.
KORE’s Retrofit Programme Manager John. B. Smith presented a home that underwent deep retrofit renovations, taking it from a G Rated Building Energy Rating (BER) to an A Rating. This house used KORE Floor, KORE External Wall insulation, KORE’s EPS and plasterboard for a warm roof solution, solar PV panels, a Daikin heat pump, and triple glazed windows to achieve an A Rating all within a budget of €140,000. Read more on this house at our website.
It is incredible to see such transformations in homes under the Deep Retrofit Pilot Programme, and how this can improve the lives of many, but is also important to see the programme from the eyes of the contractor. Eoin Madigan, Managing Director from Waterford Insulation presented his learnings, objectives and case studies under the Deep Retrofit Pilot Programme.
Waterford Insulation has deep retrofitted 120 homes last year, and believes that the deep retrofit market is expanding and has huge capabilities nationwide, especially with the introduction of the nZEB regulations. During Eoin’s work in the deep retrofit market, he has noted that a key selling point for customers is the long term benefit of reduced costs and increased comfort. Waterford Insulation has brought all 120 homes to an A rating using methods including external wall insulation, triple glazed windows, solar PV, heat pumps and demand control ventilation.
Eoin believes communication and engagement with all programme stakeholders is essential for success, and that the outcomes from retrofitting a home has nothing but positive effects for all involved. For more information on Waterford Insulation, please visit their website.
Finally to wrap up our event we had Cathy Winston, Business Advisor speak to our attendees about getting higher margin projects, thus increasing profit. Cathy details three steps to ensure maximum profit:
- Look at who your most profitable customers are and partner with them. Who are your gold customers that give repeat business, who are most likely to grow and develop, and who can you partner with to succeed long term?
- What is your value proposition? Identify what is your promise to your customers and suppliers, how are you better than your competition? What steps will you take to ensure your customers are happy?
- Manage your projects for profit- time, money and resources are crucial to get right. Be proactive and realistic in all three areas and work on innovation within your company.
For more on Cathy’s tips and advice please visit her website.
The entire KORE team would like to thank everyone who attended this event, and if you have any questions please send us an email at [email protected]
