Vacant Home Retrofit ‘A1’ Case Study, Drimnagh, Dublin
KORE Retrofit case studies offer an inside look at energy upgrade projects in real-world applications. This retrofit was part of the 2024 One Stop Shop Scheme, coordinated by KORE Retrofit and supported by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).
Case Study Details
Project Name: One Stop Shop Whole Home Upgrade in Drimnagh, Dublin 12
Products Used: External wall insulation, attic insulation, air-to-water heat pump, triple glazed windows & composite doors, and Solar PV.
Contractor: Homeology
Project Coordinator: KORE Retrofit
KORE Project Manager: Aine Finlay
Achieving an A1 BER
With a Pre-BER (Building Energy Rating) of F, and a post-BER rating of A1, this energy upgrade project included in the 2024 One Stop Shop Scheme is now a modern, energy-efficient, comfortable and healthy home.
This F-Rated home had a primary energy rating of 430.07kWh/m2/yr, and 77.54kg/CO2/m2/yr carbon dioxide emissions indicator.
The post works final results came in at -22.92kWh/m2/yr for primary energy use and -2.93kg/CO2/m2/yr for the carbon dioxide emissions indicator, resulting in an overall energy rating of A1.
Vacant Property Refurbishment Scheme
Located in Dublin 12 this 1950's vacant house was included in the 2024 One Stop Shop Scheme, part-funded by SEAI, and the Vacant Property Refurbishment Scheme to undergo whole home energy-efficiency upgrade works, bringing this vacant property back to life. The grant provided by SEAI helped fund the energy efficiency upgrades including wall and attic insulation, heat pump, radiators and new triple glazed windows and doors. The grant from the Vacant Property Refurbishment Scheme helped fund structural changes to the property, including renovation works. KORE Retrofit provided project management services, design solutions, technical expertise, quality control services and full grant administration on both schemes, and in conjunction with Dublin City Council for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Scheme. The property owner also availed of the government-backed low interest finance with SEAI, the Government of Ireland, SBCI, EIF and the European Investment Bank.
A Complete Home Energy Upgrade
Wall Insulation
100mm of KORE external wall insulation was installed on the existing building using the Baumit external wall insulation system. Best practice and high-quality workmanship ensured that repeating and non-repeating thermal bridges were eliminated or kept to a minimum.
Attic Insulation
300mm of mineral wool was installed in the attic, between the joists, providing comfort and efficiency in the attic space.
Solar PV System
A 3.4kW Jinko Solar PV system and inverter was installed on the roof of the property.
Heating System
KORE installed a 4.4kW Mitsubishi EcoDan air-to-water heat pump, providing heating via a renewable source, eliminating the use of fossil fuels, while decreasing carbon emissions. New radiators and heating controls were installed throughout the home.
Ventilation
Natural ventilation was installed to provide superior indoor air quality.
Windows and Doors
Future proof uPvc windows were installed in the home, with ultratech hardwood front door and one ultratech composite door at the back.
For more information on being included in the One Stop Shop Scheme, please visit our whole home energy grant page for further detail.
Aine Finlay, Architectural Project Manager
Aine Finlay has worked as an architectural project manager with KORE Retrofit since 2021, with previous experience working as an architectural project manager for many years. With a background in health & safety, management and architecture, Aine is responsible for KORE Retrofit’s One Stop Shop scheme and Northern Ireland’s Sustainable Energy Programme. You can reach Aine by email or by phone at +353 87 427 5727
