News - passivehouseplus.ie

Market opportunity to improve housing stock energy efficiency

sei_logo.gif
Given the decline in new build construction and the increasing demand for greater energy efficiency in existing homes, there is a major opportunity to bring about significant improvements in the energy performance of the existing Irish housing stock, according to Professor Owen Lewis, Chief Executive, Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI).

Govt publishes sustainable transport plan

bicycle.jpg
The Government has published a €4.5bn plan for sustainable transport to 2020. The Smarter Travel plan sets out Irelands travel policy for Ireland from now until 2020.

Massive job losses in architectural sector

Over 40 per cent of architects employed in January 2008 will have lost their jobs by March according to a survey conducted by Millward Brown IMS for the Royal Institute of Architects in Ireland (RIAI).

World 'needs radical cuts' on CO2

More carbon dioxide needs to be absorbed than emitted by 2050 in order to prevent catastrophic climate change.

Study finds that many homes turbines fail to live up to claims

Home wind turbines are generating a fraction of the energy promised by manufacturers, and in some cases use more electricity than they make, a report warns today. The results of what is thought to be the most comprehensive study undertaken of the industry show the worst performers provided just 41 watt-hours a day - less than the energy needed for a conventional lightbulb for an hour, or even to power the turbine's own electronics.


Ukraine/Russia gas dispute highlights Ireland’s exposure

Energy minister Eamon Ryan is preparing to go to Brussels for an energy ministerial meeting next Monday should the Ukraine/Russian gas dispute continue. “While this is a serious situation, Ireland remains unaffected by the dispute at this time” he said. The minister said that his department, the energy regulator and Bord Gáis are closely monitoring developments as they unfold.

 

Government is urged to appoint State architect

THE GOVERNMENT is being urged to take a much more pro-active approach to architecture by appointing a State architect to advise on policy and permitting local authorities to hire their own architects.

13 redundancies at Arklow quarry

Thirteen workers at Roadstone in Arklow, Co Wicklow, were made redundant yesterday as the company closed the stone crushing plant at the quarry.

New thoughts on high-rises

THE DECISION by An Bord Pleanála to approve scaled-down plans by Arnotts for its ambitious "Northern Quarter" development brings into focus again the conflicting views on plans for tall buildings in Dublin.

Competition launched to design buildings with exemplary energy standards

A major forum of over 300 building industry professionals was told today that significant upskilling is required across the industry if government targets for the energy performance of buildings are to be achieved. The event, ‘Sustainable Architecture Now’, was organised by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) in association with the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) and the Office of Public Works (OPW).

Well Oiled

Oil supply increases but prices remain high

Passing on expertise

Irish group attends passive house event in Germany


New climate talks end with no sign of consensus

The fourth meeting of the "Gleneagles dialogue" on global warming ended last week with no sign of a consensus on a new global climate policy after the Kyoto protocol on greenhouse gas emissions expires in 2012.

An Taisce opposes Sandyford hospital

AN TAISCE is opposing the construction of a new €160 million women's, children's and maternity hospital in Sandyford.

Judge criticises wind farm project

A DEVELOPMENT society in Derrybrien, Co Galway, scene of a massive bogslide in 2003, has won its High Court challenge to the manner in which Galway County Council extended planning permissions for the erection of a wind farm on a mountain in the area.

Renewal of inner city areas left high and dry

Dublin City Council's decision to grant permission for a high-rise cluster in Ballsbridge has no real basis in planning policy, writes Frank McDonald .

Stop the meters

Coolpower Products has launched EMMA, their patented energy and micro-generator manager that maximises the value of energy generated by grid-connected micro-generators and minimises the amount and cost of energy imported from the grid.
Subscribe to this RSS feed