New Teagasc Building leads the way in Energy Efficiency

A groundbreaking new Biosciences Building at Teagasc Headquarters in Carlow has CO2 usage rating of 10 Kg CO2/m2 PA, one of the lowest ratings for such a facility in Europe and points the way for much more energy efficient buildings for the future according to Teagasc. This represents a 40% reduction in CO2 usage compared to conventional buildings.

Prof Jimmy Burke, Head of the Crops Research Centre, Teagasc Oak Park said at the major Bioenergy ‘07 Event at Carlow yesterday that “Commercial and public sector buildings are responsible for almost one fifth of Ireland’s national energy use - costing €1 billion and representing 8 million tonnes of CO2 emissions annually. This sector’s energy demand grew by 30% in past few years alone. With this in mind it is imperative that those involved in the design, construction and management of commercial and public sector buildings should examine all energy-saving options at their disposal,” stated Prof Burke.

At the planning of the Carlow facility the design team were encouraged to take into account microclimate, the building form and orientation of spaces, the thermal performance characteristics of the building, the occupancy trends and restrictions on pollutant emissions. The incorporation of low energy design has been done on a hybrid basis by maximising natural resources and utilising new key technologies. Maximising natural resources involves focusing on areas such as natural ventilation, passive solar design, day lighting and reducing infiltration.

Teagasc instructed the design team to pay particular attention to issues such as insulation, airtightness detailing, wall construction, and thermal break detailing. The award winning new biosciences building is one of the best Irish examples of an energy efficient building which is cost effective and high quality as a working environment. It is one of over 70 public sector buildings that have received funding support from SEI for investment in more sustainable energy features.

Delegates at the Carlow energy event heard that buildings using the latest technologies and design techniques can have significant long-term financial benefits. “The use of clean, smart and proven technologies, along with intelligent building design, is cost effective, provides a pleasant and productive working environment, and insulates businesses from future energy price increases. The key is for architects and engineers to work very closely together from the earliest stages of the design process”, said Prof Burke.

The Teagasc facility uses wood pellet as the primary heating source for winter heating, uses hemp fibre insulation in the roof and energy saving light fittings that switch off automatically when occupants leave their offices or other work areas. The wood pellet heating circuits are also divided into north and south facing zones which control the heat automatically depending on the orientation of the sun. The glazing system is of the highest quality and contains argon filled double glazed units for maximum efficiency. “It is imperative that those involved in the design, construction and management of commercial and public sector buildings should examine all energy-saving options at their disposal,” Prof Burke concluded.