Termites trump human know-how on green building

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Mankind can learn more about cutting energy consumption and carbon emissions by studying insects than by engaging in a space-race approach focused on high tech answers, leading Irish architect Seán Harrington writes in the new issue of green building and upgrading magazine Construct Ireland.

CI exclusive: Ryan dismisses reports of energy grant cuts

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Government grant schemes for energy upgrade measures such as insulation, heating controls and renewable energy systems are running as normal, energy minister Eamon Ryan TD has told Construct Ireland. The minister said that €99m is set aside for the Greener Homes scheme, Home Energy Saving scheme and Warmer Homes scheme in 2011.

Renewable energy in Ireland grew 15% in last 4 years

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Renewable energy in Ireland grew by an average of 15% per annum from 2005 to 2009 driven largely by a significant growth in wind energy of 28% per annum in that period, according to SEAI's latest Energy in Ireland report. Last year also witnessed a steady trend towards lower energy prices in Ireland for both domestic and business energy users.

Energy upgrade programmes escape budget cuts

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Government subsidies for energy efficiency and renewable energy have come through Budget 2011 unscathed in spite of swinging cuts across the economy.

Energy minister Eamon Ryan TD has announced a budget of €99m for energy upgrading Irish buildings in 2011 as the government ramps up for the launch of the National Energy Retrofit Programme (NERP).

Ministers announce plan for European electricity supergrid

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Energy minister Eamon Ryan has said that formal preparations for a European electricity supergrid have begun.
 
In Brussels today, energy ministers from ten European countries signed an agreement on the North Seas Countries Offshore Grid Initiative, which will aim to develop a supergrid in northern Europe, increase the amount of renewable energy produced in the Europe's northern seas and facilitate large scale offshore wind projects.

New funding for green energy companies in Ireland

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Energy Minister Eamon Ryan today announced new funding for renewable energy companies in Ireland.
 
The funding is part of a Europe-wide programme that will be managed jointly by the European Commission, European Investment Bank and EU member states. It will assist eight carbon capture and storage and 34 renewable energy projects in the EU.

Wufi training workshop to be held in Dublin next month

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The Building Life Consultancy and Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics are providing a two-day Wufi Pro training workshop in Dublin on 14-15 December.

This is only the third English language workshop of its kind to be offered in Europe according to the Building Life Consultancy, and will train members of the construction industry to use Fraunhofer’s Wufi Pro software for hygrothermal (heat and moisture) simulations of building fabric.

ESB launches new home energy upgrade service

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The ESB has launched Halo, the utility's new home energy upgrade and efficiency service. The Halo Installation Service is designed as a "one-stop solution" for home energy upgrades, the company said.

US energy secretary to speak in Dublin on Friday

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US secretary for energy Dr Steven Chu will speak in Dublin this Friday, 5 November. He will speak at the Pathways to 2050 International Energy Conference, which will take place at the National Convention Centre, Dublin.

Deadline extended for energy efficiency awards

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The deadline for submitting entries to the Isover Energy Efficiency Awards (EEA) has been extended until October 11.

The inaugural awards scheme is being targeted at building professionals including architects, engineers, builders and developers, across Ireland, who have worked on both new build and renovation projects with very low energy demand.