The DeliveREE project, launched in June 2021, aimed to enhance energy efficiency initiatives in Dublin's municipalities. It began with formalising collaboration through a Consortium agreement and developing a Project Management plan. An inaugural meeting brought together partners and the advisory board, marking the official commencement of the project. To ensure effective project execution, the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) was established, comprising dedicated Codema staff members. Since its inception, the PIU has conducted weekly meetings to evaluate progress and review deliverables.
In Work Package 2, completed within the initial 6 months, a significant focus was placed on conducting interviews, desktop research, and crafting a comprehensive Guidance Document addressing Energy Performance Contracting (EPC) challenges in Ireland. Thorough review and collaboration resulted in the finalisation of the Guidance Document, serving as a valuable resource for stakeholders
Work Package 3 focused on continual refinement of protocols and procedures, particularly within the Airtable software platform used by the Project Implementation Unit (PIU). Notable updates included a major restructure of the Airtable in April 2023 to enhance usability and flexibility for inputting various project types. Additionally, efforts were made to develop an interface for Local Authorities to access project information conveniently. In January 2024, SharePoint sites were established as centralised hubs for collaboration between Local Authorities and the PIU. Continuous consultation with Local Authorities regarding Gap to Target strategies ensured ongoing alignment with evolving building portfolios. The Airtable, serving as a central tool, offers different views such as the 'Projects Overview' and 'Actions' view, providing a comprehensive overview and detailed task breakdown for each project. Communication functionalities were integrated, allowing users to record and track project-related communications effectively.
In Work Package 4, several energy-related projects across different local authorities are developed, with a focus on Gap to Target Analysis to bridge the current energy efficiency levels and government targets. This necessitated a shift towards decarbonization, resulting in delays and increased bid costs for Energy Service Companies (ESCOs). To address this, the DeliveREE decarbonization strategy was created, emphasising Energy Performance Contracts (EnPCs) and decarbonization of buildings. The procurement strategy was revised to encourage better market engagement. Projects like Lot 1 and Lot 6 encountered challenges in procurement, leading to revised strategies for improved market engagement. Despite challenges like delays in securing Pathfinder funding, efforts underscore a commitment to achieving energy targets through innovative procurement strategies and collaborative approaches across local authorities.
Codema, along with project partners, conducted dissemination activities to promote DeliveREE. This included workshops targeting senior management in Local Authorities and launching the DeliveREE hub on Codema's website and presentation at the Association of Energy Engineers’ Expo & Conference and efforts continued with platform development and workshop planning. In June 2023, a successful webinar on EPC benefits in Ireland attracted stakeholders' interest. The consortium addressed challenges like capacity building and procurement issues. A conference facilitated knowledge dissemination, and interviews provided insights for future project directions. DeliveREE's presence at events like the Covenant of Mayors Investment Forum Energy Efficiency Market Place helped disseminate findings. Codema promoted the CoBP through platforms like LinkedIn, fostering best practices exchange. These efforts raised DeliveREE awareness, engaged stakeholders, and promoted energy efficiency and decarbonisation practices.
