RESIDENTIAL
Grange housing association
Summary
Client: Grange Housing Association
Site: Louth
Sector: Residential
The Challenge
Grange Housing Association in Rathabbey, Co Louth operates a purpose built residential scheme, consisting of 11 small bungalows and 1 community building. The houses were in good condition but as the residents are all elderly, it was important to make the homes warmer and reduce the energy bills for the tenants. SE Systems carried out a technical assessment of the units which looked for the most cost optimal energy upgrade solutions we could do to the houses. There was minimal attic insulation, the windows were dated and had a poor u value.
The Solution
The project involved upgrading 11 small bungalows and 1 community building. All the buildings upgraded the fabric by installing cavity wall insulation, attic insulation and upgrading windows and doors. They also upgraded their heating to heat pumps and installed Solar PV to generate renewable electricity. All the work was carried out over 12 weeks.
Energy Upgrade Works:
- Solar PV System
- Heat Pump Installation
- Cavity Wall Insulation
- Attic Insulation
- Windows and Doors upgrade
This project was an excellent example of working in partnership with two Sustainable Energy Communities and a Housing Association. SE Systems acted as main contractor and project coordinator for the SEAI Community Energy Grant. Energy Team and Dunleer SEC were the main point of contact for the client Grange Housing Association and are also the SEC Mentors to Cooley Peninsula SEC, the local Sustainable Energy Community.
The Impact
The building energy rating (BER) went from a D1 to an A2 after works were completed. The works not only improved energy efficiency but also aligned with the community centre’s commitment to to the removal of fossil fuels as an energy source.
Peter Savage, Grange Housing Association outlines how “It’s not only a question of improving the facilities here but it’s a question of keeping rents at a level that the elderly can afford. They’re still paying the same rents and they will be getting a warmer house.”
The delivery of these upgrades demonstrates how Communities are tackling climate action. There has been great learning at a local level. Transition Year Students from Bush Secondary School who are members of Cooley Peninsula SEC and have been out on-site visits to learn about the retrofitting works completed at Rathabbey.
This project received grant funding through the SEAI Community Energy Grant as well as additional funding through the SE Systems Community Fund.
It’s not only a question of improving the facilities here but it’s a question of keeping rents at a level that the elderly can afford. They’re still paying the same rents and they will be getting a warmer house with reduced energy bills.
Peter Savage
Grange Housing Association
Video provided courtesy of SEAI
The Partners
Grant Coordination
Community Energy Grant
Grange Housing Association: Client
Cooley SEC : Sustainable energy community
Main contact point for client & SEC mentor for Cooley SEC.
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