ENACT Overview:
ENACT is a 3-year project funded by SEAI that aims to facilitate commercial retrofit and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Ireland. The project is a collaboration between SCSI, IGBC, Sustainability Works, Dublin Chambers, and the University of Galway. The commercial property sector has undergone a significant change in recent years due to rising energy costs, leading to increased demand for renovations. However, there are technical, financial, knowledge, and behavioural challenges that need to be overcome to achieve retrofitting targets. ENACT aims to address these barriers and enable the commercial sector to positively contribute to climate change.

Exemplar case studies of how the commercial sector has encountered and constructively dealt with these technical and financial issues will be used in a ‘Technical and Financial Analysis’ report, produced as a part of ENACT.  Case studies that have encountered issues/sticking points at various stages are also keenly sought, as an imperative part of the process is to understand what these issues are and demonstrate how to overcome the issues. As part of this process, we are seeking exemplars to demonstrate best renovation practices in the office, retail, industrial, leisure/hospitality sectors in Ireland. We also welcome all feedback on this, positive and negative.

What project exemplars are we seeking? 
  • Commercial properties, occupied by less than 250 employees. Across Rural, Suburban and Urban locations of Ireland.
  • Ideally should have achieved a BER B2+ rating, (or equivalent) following renovation works (However, other energy improvements projects are also welcome)
  • Have photos accompanying the submission showing (ideally) a before and after scenario
  • Detail the motivation behind the renovation trigger (and by whom, occupier, landlord/tenant/both)
  • Provide detailed analysis of the cost & nature of refurbishment works to bring to a B2+ BER
  • Provide insights on the time taken to complete the measures to bring the property to a B2+ BER
  • Estimate the renovation payback period (energy only, & energy + co-benefits such as air quality improvements)
  • Provide insights into grants applied for/not applied for (and the reasons why)
  • Provide insights on savings into embodied & operational carbon emissions
  • Provide insights on indoor air quality improvements before and after
  • Provide insights into materials used, and delays encountered (or not encountered) regarding appointing contractors to carry out works/gain planning permission etc
  • Provide insights into any issues encountered re gaining occupation to carry out works/collaborating with landlord/tenant/ issues in that regard / associated costs incurred / any other technical issues.
  • The owner and/or occupier does not have to be named but should be asked if they would like to be mentioned.
 
Any doubts?
Please contact Aravindh Krishnan Ramesh (Project Coordinator) at aravindh@scsi.ie or at 01-644-5520 to answer any queries.  Eloise Heron (Project Lead) is available for queries and Aravindh can arrange meetings upon request.

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* 1. Please enter your details

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* 2. Please enter the project stakeholder's name (can be anonymised)

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* 3. Do you have consent from the owner for the project to be showcased?

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* 4. Name of the Project:

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* 5. Address of the Project:

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* 6. Size of property (sq. m) before and after as defined by SCSI code measuring practice (GIA/NIA etc):
Please see: SCSI Measuring Practice Guidance Notes

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* 7. BER Rating and Energy Intensity or equivalent (After Renovation)

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* 8. BER Rating and Energy Intensity or equivalent (Before Renovation)

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* 9. Original Structural Age (For major portion of the property)

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* 10. Location Category

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* 11. Building Usage

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* 12. Average Occupant/s’ SME Size (Prior to Renovation)

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* 13. Occupant/s' Ownership Type

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* 14. Timeline of Works:

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* 15. If available, please provide the U values (After Renovation)

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* 16. If available, please provide the U values (Before Renovation)

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* 17. Was any sustainability accreditation such as LEED/BREEAM considered/applied for/rejected? Please provide commentary if appropriate.

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* 18. What works were carried out, in brief?

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* 19. Duration of Works: (Please detail)

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* 20. Materials used during renovation/retrofit? (Please detail)

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* 21. Was the IGBC EPD database (or any other Environment Product Declarations while choosing materials) used?

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* 22. Was planning permission required? (Any issues with the same?)

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* 23. Was any other statutory permission required? (Any issues with the same?)

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* 24. Operational Carbon saved through renovation: (Please provide an estimate of GHG emissions before and after renovation, if known)

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* 25. Embodied Carbon saved through renovation vs demolition and rebuilding: (Please provide an estimate of GHG emissions before and after renovation, if known)

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* 26. Were the principles of the RICS Whole Life Carbon Assessment (or other appropriate Life Cycle guidance) referenced during the renovation process?

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* 27. Was an energy audit carried out before and after renovation? (If yes, please provide the energy consumption data before and after renovation)

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* 28. Air Quality comments (were these improved, please provide details)

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* 29. Issues encountered appointing contractor/any other issues/delays?

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* 30. Estimated Direct Cost of Renovation/Retrofit works? (Excluding VAT, but including professionals’ fees, please state separately)

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* 31. Grant(s) sought? (Please provide details, including any issues encountered)

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* 32. What was the funding mode/s for the renovation works? (Excluding grants)

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* 33. Estimated Cost of Disruption to Occupying Business/es: (this can be in financial terms or other, please specify)

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* 34. Payback Period for Energy Improvement carried out: (Please provide details of the payback period with reference to energy savings, and/or additional information on payback calculation)

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* 35. What was the motivation to renovate?

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