Objective
To explore the technical limits to sustainable housing in an Irish context, the outcome of which is a set of possible prototypes for different segments of the market.
To complete a number of residential building options with low demands on finite resources and external services.
To explore the market and institutional obstacles which exist with a view to proposing financial and other institutional mechanisms in order to give a realistic prospect of worthwhile implementation.
To develop a form of organisation which promotes the building of houses with very low environmental impacts.
Sustainable New Housing in Ireland is sponsored and supported by organisations throughout Ireland which have interests in energy efficiency and housing. Housing in Ireland has many common characteristics. Solid fuel is used more than in Britain. Poorly insulated houses and low incomes result in many more deaths in winter due to cold than in other European countries. Most fuel is imported although Ireland has good sources of renewable energy. (Wind, Waves, Agriculture, Forestry). Those on the lowest income in Ireland spend 15.8% of income on fuel compared with 11.5% in Britain (ref. HEAT, Fuel Poverty in Ireland 1993).
Introduction: This project will increase the sustainability of new houses built in Ireland, by publicising practical ways of building homes with low carbon dioxide emissions and with low impacts on the natural environment. Forms of organisation are being developed to promote sustainable housing in the long-term.
Building Options - Options being developed with user organisations include superinsulated masonry construction and innovative timber frame construction. Improved heating controls are being developed with a housing association, and heat metering is being promoted. These developments are being promoted to housing associations in Northern Ireland, who are now responsible for new public housing there.
Organisational Options - A form of organisation has been outlined to major housing and energy efficiency organisations, and a conference in September will measure interest among interested individuals.
An organisation will be proposed at a conference in November 1996 and may be launched in January 1997. This organisation will promote the building and financing of housing with very low carbon dioxide emissions.
Identifying Participants - Additional members of the steering group now include key personnel from major public housing authorities and universities throughout Ireland. A leaflet promoting the initiative is being sent to housing professionals throughout Ireland, who can elect to receive information sheets about which environmental impacts are most critical in the local setting. A conference is planned in November and other events/promotions are intended to attract private sector sponsorship.
Programme(s)
Call for proposal
Data not availableFunding Scheme
Data not availableCoordinator
BT13 1AB Belfast
United Kingdom