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Renewable Energy Targets 2020 Ireland Austria EU27 — Source: Eurostat

Renewable Energy Research Trip to Austria

January 25, 2012 / barros / 4 Comments

Last November I went on a research trip to Austria. The trip included a number of visits to factories from the Renewable Energy Sector and also to buildings with Passive House characteristics.

Austria is one of the world’s leaders in renewable energy and sustainability. And I was very well impressed with all the places we visited and the way Austria is developing their sustainability strategy.

Source: Eurostat

Austria generates 67% of its electricity from renewable sources. Ireland with its 14% is still a long way to go to catch this performance. That is why we can learn so much from the Austrian model.

The research trip included the visit to the following:

Power Tower (Passive House building)
SOLution Solartechnik (solar panels)
Fronius (solar inverters, battery charging systems)
Guntamatic (biomass boilers)
Neura (heat pumps)
Biomass Research Centre Bioenergy 2020+
Billa supermarket (Green Building Award)
Smart City Project Klosterneuburg
Energy Base (Passive house offices)

During 2012 I will try to post more details and photos of this trip. Watch this space!

Energy will continue to be a priority for the European Commission going forward and we all need to work together in order to be more energy efficient. Ireland has been progressing quite well and its capacity to deliver renewable electricity has continued to grow by an average of more than 150 MW per year.

The target for Ireland in the European Renewable Energy Directive (2009/28/EC) is a 16% share of renewable energy in gross final consumption by 2020. New and more strict regulations have been introduced in order to meet this target.

To learn more about Energy in Ireland click here to download the 2011 Report “Energy in Ireland 1990 – 2010” published by SEAI.

Isabel Barros

Isabel’s Picks for January 2012

January 16, 2012 / barros / 0 Comments

EMBELLISH YOUR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS

You still have 12 months to achieve them

1. GLASS STAIR TREADS

Manufacturer: Thinkglass Inc.

Price Range: n/a

Material: Glass.

Key Facts: A pure, rich and thick glass edge that surpasses the look of traditional laminated edge with plastic lines. An anti-skid surface with a vast array of organic textures. Glass thickness possibilities ranging from 36mm to 96mm with an exceptional edge. Available with LED’s to illuminate the tread.

Available from: Thinkglass Inc.

2. WIRELESS WALL SWITCH

Manufacturer: Frostdale Co., Ltd.

Name: Nanogrid™ FDN2000 series – Wireless, wall-mounted light switch 1 – 4 button models (FDN2100 – 2400)

Price Range: from €40

Key Facts: Easy to install in both existing homes and new constructions, and don’t require remodeling work. Convenient and intuitive controls allow the user to quickly power down unoccupied areas in any home or office and eliminate the need to search for lights and appliances that have been left on. Helps users to estimate costs for specific devices and lighting fixtures. Complete access to the network via the web and smartphone controls. The nanogrid™ system requires the Cube Controller. The Cube controller is the central hub of the nanogrid™ system and it can support up to 20 devices.

Available from: Frostdale Co., Ltd.

3. BATHROOM FURNITURE

Trademark: Sonia

Product Name: Songe

Price Range: n/a

Key Features: Rounded corners and a small integrated handle on the drawer keep the look minimal. Countertop and vanity body can be selected in contrasting colours, or the same colour.

Available in Ireland from: Blu Bathrooms

4. WALL TILE

Manufacturer: KUTAHYA Seramik

Series Name: Versatile Axis

Product Name: Axis Marine Glossy

Price Range: n/a

Key Features: the tiles are three-dimensional and structural elements which can be combined on a wall to create incisive motifs. The play of light on the Versatile tiles gives rooms an impressive depth.

Available to Ireland from: KUTAHYA Seramik

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Better Energy Homes Scheme – New Grant Amounts

January 2, 2012 / barros / 0 Comments

The Better Energy Homes scheme re-opened on 8^th of December 2011.

Following a review with the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources a number of scheme revisions have been agreed.

This table available from www.seai.ie shows the current grants available.

The two key changes to the scheme are:

Revised grant amounts for all wall insulation types and Building Energy Rating (BER);
Internal and external wall insulation grants will no longer be one single amount, but rather be based upon the house type.

Grants for attic insulation and all heating system upgrades including solar remain unchanged.

There are 2 methods to apply for a Better Energy scheme grant.