Mobile in May: How Sustainable Energy Communities can influence transport for the better

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Walking, cycling, public transport and car sharing are just some ways we can make our journeys more sustainable, but how do we improve access and infrastructure within our communities?

Join us for the Mobile in May information event series were you can find out How Sustainable Energy Communities can influence transport for the better.

The programme for this event is:
Session 1: 3rd of May at 11 am – Travelling sustainably to school

Session 2: 10th of May at 11 am – Planning for better transport where you live

Session 3: 17th of May at 11 am – Travelling on four wheels: EVs, Local Link and Car Sharing

Session 4: 24th of May at 11 am – Putting together a transport strategy

Please register here
All session recordings will be made available for anyone who registers to attend.

 

3cea Pilot State of the Art Energy Efficient Homes in Carlow & Kilkenny

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Construction has begun 8 new energy efficient homes in Carlow & Kilkenny that are part of a NWE Interreg Housing 4.0 Energy (H4.0E) an EU project to lower embodied emissions in house builds and in time reduce the cost of construction by utilising a Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) model and ensuring the houses are built to nZEB (near Zero Energy Building) standard by using prefabricated timber-frame closed panels or low-carbon GGBS cement composites and energy-saving efforts like installation of Photovoltaic cables and heat pumps. The 2 bedroom and single bedroom houses are located in St Mary’s court in Carlow town, in Mullinivat and Graiguenamanagh (at the old Fire Station)  in Co. Kilkenny.

Construction site for H4.0E houses in St Mary’s court, Carlow town.

Construction site for H4.0E houses in St Mary’s court, Carlow town.

“3cea were delighted to lead this initiative and to secure Irish funding of over 600K from a Europe-wide fund of 4.2 million made available by the European Regional Development Fund through the Interred NorthWest Europe scheme to make this pilot project happen,” said Communications Officer Colin Healy. “H4.0E-nZEBs or ZEB builds are a must for future construction to meet both Ireland’s housing needs and carbon mitigation goals. The Irish H4.0E pilots are not using full DfMA methods in the pilot project, but when they come fully on stream through the availability of the H4.0E Platform being developed by Open Systems Lab (OSL) as part of the H4.0E project we anticipate that building costs will be reduced by 25% using these methods. The H4.0E houses in the upscaling process will be far cheaper to run and substantial carbon emission reductions will be achieved both in embodied and operational carbon. Heating and domestic hot water are where most of the energy will be used and these are warmer better-insulated homes. All houses are fitted with heat pumps.

 

The houses, referred to as H4.0E houses are part of a plan to develop affordable zero-energy houses by applying new technology to building and running the houses. A carbon reduction of at least 50% to 80%, when compared to a standard concrete/brick build house,  will be achieved. All units will be completed towards the end of this year and will be used for social housing by Carlow and Kilkenny County Councils.

You can learn more about H4.0E and 3cea’s activities in the project through our H4.0E Webpage.

Information Session on Community Energy Grant Funding

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This online session offers a unique opportunity for organisations to learn how to cut harmful emissions and make significant energy and bottom-line savings. It aims to support small businesses in the South East as we discuss funding opportunities for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. What makes a good grant application?  Who is eligible for funding? What measures are supported? Our experienced senior energy expert Alex Hamilton will provide helpful tips and what you need to do to be successful. 

This event is the first step for interested organisations and businesses to understand what it takes to apply for energy grant funding for your project and what supports are available to achieve such a project.

Register on Eventbrite

 

Online Event schedule:

1st Session: Wed, 23rd of February 2022 from 1-2pm

Repeat Session: Wed, 2nd of March 2022 from 3-4pm

Agenda

  • Communities Energy Grant Overview
  • Funding amounts
  • Energy Audits / Technical Reports
  • Evaluation Criteria
  • Estimated Timelines
  • Documentation required
  • Project examples
  • Q&A

Target groups:

Businesses, SMEs, Farmers, Tidy Towns Groups, Co-operatives, Community Groups, Schools, Sports Clubs, Public Sector, Housing Associations and other groups are urged to attend the free information webinar as it is expected that the SEAI grant scheme will receive a high level of interest.

Grants are available through SEAI, who provide up to 50% funding for community projects, not for profits, charities, housing associations. And up to 30% funding for businesses, public sector, SMEs, industrial & commercial sector.

What’s involved?

Both online sessions are open to everyone with an interest in sustainability and community energy but will be of particular relevance to organisations and community groups looking to progress their identified energy projects.

3cea are accepting new grant applications for 2022 and we are urging people to get in touch with us now. In the south east region the SEAI grants & services are administered by the 3 Counties Energy Agency www.3cea.ie.

Register in advance for this event via this Eventbrite page. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the event.

Register Now

Meet the Team: Michael Deen

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  1. What is your educational and work background?
    I have a BSc in Geography and Environmental Science and have recently completed an MSc in Leadership for Sustainable Development at Queens University Belfast. I have previously worked within commercial sustainability and worked with several not-for-profit environmental and sustainability organisations.
  2. What’s the most exciting thing about joining 3cea?
    I’m excited to be part of an organization like 3cea that delivers real positive change to society. The opportunity to work on projects in a variety of sectors from commercial businesses to community groups with sustainability at the core of it all is really exciting.
  3. Why is sustainable energy so important to you?
    We are living within a climate crisis, and sustainable energy will play a crucial role in reducing the negative local and global impacts a changing climate will bring.
  4. What advice would you give to readers who are considering an energy efficiency project in your sector?
    This is your opportunity to take the leap into sustainable energy, whether you are driven by climate action or reducing your energy costs, there has never been a better time to start an energy efficiency project.

Meet the Team: Tracey Turner

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  1. What is your educational and work background?
    I worked as a logistics administrator for a wholesale company after leaving school. A FAS course in Supply Chain Management and Logistics led me to a primary degree in Industrial Engineering (Level 7). A module in Energy Engineering sparked my interest in renewable technologies, so much so, that I attended an evening course while completing my degree, in Energy Technologies and Installations (Heat-Pumps). I was very fortunate to secure my industrial placement with an innovative company who were at the time designing, manufacturing, transporting, and installing wind turbines. C&F Green Energy gave me a solid foundation in engineering, industry, and renewable technology. My interest grew in the areas of green energy, sustainability, and the environment prompting my return to education. I went on to achieve an Honours Degree Level 8 B.Eng. in Industrial Engineering and a Masters Diploma Level 9 in Green Engineering. I also took some time to travel which was a valuable education in itself. Since, I have worked with a wind and solar developer, evaluating renewable projects, and liaising with clients and stakeholders. I also worked for a short time as a quality engineer in the electro/mechanical industry, this gave me an understanding of construction in particular BCAR (Building Control Amendment Regulation) documentation for projects requiring certification. Most recently I have worked as an Energy Engineer/Consultant,  developing Energy Master Plans for Sustainable Energy Communities, conducting energy audits, quantifying energy consumption to establish baselines as well as being appointed by the SEAI as a county mentor to consult with and advise sustainable energy communities in the midland region.
  1. What’s the most exciting thing about joining 3cea?
    I have followed 3CEA for some time, often signing up to their webinars and workshops. I admire 3CEAs professionalism,  dedication and expertise. I am very much looking forward to learning from my peers and being part of an organised and focused team. Also, they seem like a lovely bunch, relaxed, down to earth and friendly.
  1. Why is sustainable energy so important to you?
    I have always been passionate about nature, the environment, and the people and communities around me. I come from a spectacularly beautiful part of the world. Relatively untouched by pollution, industrialisation, mining, poverty, overpopulation etc. I didn’t quite grasp the magnitude of how much we were interfering with nature and our environments until I travelled, until I witnessed environmental devastation and extreme weather events for myself. We don’t feel the effects as much here in Ireland; however, it will affect us all, sooner than we think. I want to leave a world that my daughter can not only survive in but thrive in. Humans over the last 200yrs have consumed more than ever before, stripping the earth of its resources without much consideration or gratitude. Globally, the use of energy represents by far the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions from human activities. What better place to put all my energy into if not energy itself?
  1. What advice would you give to readers who are considering an energy efficiency project in your sector?
    The time for consideration is past. It is better to be proactive than reactive. Reach out, information, people and resources are available. Get in contact with 3CEA or your local energy agency. They will be happy to help and guide you.

Meet the Team: Stephen McCormick

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  1. What is your educational and work background?
    I have a BA in Arts from TCD, an MA in International Relations from DCU and a BEng in Mechanical Engineering and Renewable Energies from AIT. I’ve spent a decade in retail and a decade in Facility Management and am now branching into energy management.
  2. What’s the most exciting thing about joining 3cea?
    I’m eager to join a team of like-minded individuals who are keen on supporting Irelands energy commitments. 3cea has a great record of working with energy users of all stripes for 2 decades and I’m honored in becoming part of the team and look forward to driving further sustainability across Irelands South East.
  3. Why is sustainable energy so important to you?
    The world is in a pretty precarious position and faces threats on a number of fronts. Immediate climate action has never been so important and, with three young girls looking up to their father, I am particularly keen on showing them that my generation has been part of the solution and not the problem.
  4. What advice would you give to readers who are considering an energy efficiency project in your sector?
    Just do it – there’s never been such a critical time to make a positive change in how you live and work. We at 3cea have a dedicated team of experienced engineers and support staff to help you make a positive impact on your carbon emissions as well as your bank balance. Be the change you want to see.

 

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

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We look forward to working with all energy users in 2022!

Our office will close for the holiday from Friday the 24th December and reopen on Tuesday the 4th January.

For any queries over the holiday, please contact us via contact@3cea.ie

🎅

Have yourself a sustainable Christmas with these tips

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We take a look at some ideas to make your Christmas more environmentally and pocket friendly. Here are our tips to help you make your festive season more sustainable:

Presents – make eco-friendly options when shopping for gifts. Why not consider gifting an experience and bring your loved ones together?
Shop local – by doing so, you will reduce your carbon footprint and support the local economy, which has to be good! Shop local from weekly markets, craft fairs and local producers.
Energy-efficient appliances – it does make a difference. Choosing energy efficient appliances will save you money on energy bills and reduce your greenhouse gas emissions in the long run.
Save energy while cooking – maximise your cooking efficiencies by using proper cookware, keep on the lids while cooking and match your burner and pot sizes to help decrease the energy use of your stove or hob. Plan ahead! Cook multiple dishes at once and prep before cooking to reduce energy use.
Find alternatives to wrapping paper – keep sustainability in mind and avoid wrapping paper that isn’t recyclable, be careful about what you choose and opt for green wrapping. The Journal – How to gift wrap without all the waste this Christmas.
Use solar powered LED lights – when it comes to sustainable decorations, LED lights are far better than traditional incandescent lights, because they use up to 80% less energy. For outdoor decorations, switch to solar powered lights and put both sets on a timer. Not only will your energy bills reduce but you will be kinder to the planet.
Live Christmas tree – If you choose a potted tree or a tree that still has the root ball intact, you will be able to replant it in your garden or balcony meaning that the tree can continue to exhale oxygen which slows down climate change. Irish Times – Not just for Christmas: Trees go to pot to ensure many festive returns.
Use smart controls and timers where possible – to switch on & off when not needed. When using battery powered lights, use rechargeable batteries.
Invest in a reusable advent calendar – a great environmentally friendly idea! Choose from reusable or recycled-wood options.
Remember the true meaning of Christmas – what is truly important during this time of the year? Is it the flashy gifts and excess food or is it spending time with your loved ones, reflecting on the year passed and being grateful for what we have.

Listen back to the recent Beat 102-103 podcast where 3cea’s Energy Engineer Gráinne Kennedy spoke to Dean Egan on how to be more sustainable in the run up to Christmas.

sustainable little Christmas

 

Ferrybank Allotment Project Set High Sustainability Standard

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3cea, the Three Counties Energy Agency,  were delighted to sponsor an award at the inaugural Kilkenny Community and Voluntary awards, a collaboration between Kilkenny Volunteer Centre and Kilkenny PPN with support from Kilkenny County Council. They offer their congratulations to the winners of the Environment and Sustainability Category which is sponsored by 3cea – Ferrybank Allotment Project.

“The work done by Ferrybank Allotment Project is a model for groups to follow all over the country. They set a high standard from polytunnels to beehives, vegetables to flowers and with a wonderful design eye including their renovated water pump and the beautiful flower filled boat. Their work makes them worthy winners in the Environment and Sustainability category,” said Paddy Phelan, CEO of 3cea.

Read more

ENERGee Watch Course 4: Data display, dissemination, and validation by local authorities

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ENERGee Watch Course 4 will cover how to identify the key factors that determine how to disseminate data (regulations, targets, usage, etc.). It will also cover how to identify key recipients and stakeholders, teaching mentees how to identify their needs and expectations, collect the data, and get it into the required format. Some methods and tools to represent and illustrate data patterns and messages in data (graphs, Sankey diagrams, maps, etc.) will also be covered in this course. Finally, how to efficiently disseminate this data and the subsequent messages (technical reports, newsletters, online tools, etc.) will be covered too.

The Target for Course 4: Data Display, Dissemination, and Validation by Local Authorities

This course aims to identify how to best communicate a dataset or to portray certain messages in the data. Throughout the course, we will treat the key topics necessary to ensure effective and complete communication of data and information. Some current challenges that this course could rectify include; a lack of interaction with recipients of datasets, the misunderstanding of datasets, difficulty in portraying messages that are in the data, a requirement for datasets to be communicated in a particular way, a need to find more innovative/representative data visualisation methods, or simply an interest to develop links with existing innovative tools.

Course Objectives

The objectives set for mentee learning before the course were as follows.

To know your audience and their ultimate needs
• To assess the best data display method for the objective,
• audience and desired response
• To manipulate data to suit different representation styles
• To understand the different data dissemination and display options available

Topics

ENERGee Watch Course 4 sought to achieve these objectives over 6 sessions held over 6 days across just over a month from October to November.

• Session 1: What determines effective Communication of data?
• Session 2: Identifying the information needs of end-users
• Session 3: Manipulating and Presenting data
• Session 4: Implementing data display tools
• Session 5: TerriSTORY®, a deeper insight
• Session 6: Data dissemination

Mentors

Thomas Knight is a project manager in the Territorial Intelligence and Observatory team at Auvergne Rhône-Alpes Energie Environnement(AURA-EE) since the beginning of 2020. Thomas is responsible for the quality and accuracy of the energy-related and economic calculations for the regional energy and climate data observatory (ORCAE) and is an active participant in the development of an online data tracking tool for the territories of the region; TerriSTORY®.

 

 

If you are interested in taking part in the next cycle of ENERGee Watch courses, the applications for the second cycle should open in January. Please note that currently these courses are only open to Local Authorities and Municipalities. You can find out when the ENERGee Watch applications open by keeping an eye on our social media and signing up to our newsletter.