Five pioneering projects, all Irish low-energy buildings featuring German innovation, were chosen by the German-Irish Chamber of Industry and Commerce to showcase the coming together of German technology and the Irish appetite for energy efficiency.

The five projects were presented at the Chamber’s event, ‘Showcase – Made in Germany’, which was held on November 27 at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin.

Opening the event, Reinhard Giese, of the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Energy, spoke of the mutually beneficial relationship between Ireland and Germany in the area of energy efficiency.

“At this event, we see five projects – all of which have been completed in the last two years – that present Ireland as an attractive location for German companies seeking partnerships and opportunities in the area of energy efficiency. We at the Ministry are confident that German Irish relations and partnerships in this sector will continue to flourish to the benefit of both countries into the future,” he said.

The projects featured a range of energy efficient technologies applied across domestic, industrial and commercial projects. They reflect an Irish energy policy and building regulations that are ambitious, progressive and sustainable and illustrate how the rapid change in Irish building regulations has led to an increase in energy efficiency and building quality.

• Radiant ceiling heating system from FRENGER in Aer Lingus cargo building at Dublin Airport

Irish company: Origin Ltd. / Polytherm Ltd.
German company: FRENGER SYSTEMEN BV Heiz- & Kühltecnik GmbH

Replacement of the existing air heating with a FRENGER ceiling radiation system ECO EVO PLUS in an Aer Lingus cargo building. The building’s total energy costs were reduced by approximately 60%. In addition, electricity savings were achieved by investment in an induction lighting system.

• Energy efficient compressed air management system from KAESER in an industrial building in Cavan

Irish company: Kaeser Compressors (Irish subsidiary)
German company: KAESER Kompressoren SE

The installation of a compressed air system utilising variable speed drive systems together with an adaptive controller in Abbott Nutritional International Manufacturing. The savings will be in excess of 45k projected forward for the year, which is an increase of more than 30% of the expected savings.

• Highly efficient ground source heat pumps from Waterkotte in MAC Theatre, Belfast

Irish company: WSR Energy Solutions
German company: Waterkotte GmbH

Highly efficient Waterkotte ground source heat pump system installed in the MAC Theatre, a performing arts theatre and events centre in Belfast, capable of providing 112kW of heating, passive and active cooling and domestic hot water. Building environment is conditioned using an energy efficient heat pump system to provide heating and cooling. System efficiencies between 450% and 800% achieved.

• Passive House in Dublin featuring pro clima intelligent airtightness system and wood fibre insulation from GUTEX

Irish company: Ecological Building Systems
German company: pro clima, GUTEX Holzfaserplattenwerk

The building of a County Dublin residential property as a low energy eco certified passive house with timber frame construction, featuring the innovative Germa pro clima intelligent air tightness and wind tightness system. The external walls are insulated with a rendered wood fibre board manufactured by GUTEX. The completed house is an A BER rated building and a certified Passivhaus.

• Micro CHP units from SenterTec installed in Sandyford apartment block district heating scheme

Irish company: Kinviro Limited
German company: SenerTec GmbH

Two SenerTec Dachs micro CHP units installed into an apartment block district heating scheme. There are 100 apartments in the scheme with a minimum of an A3 BER rating, some with an A2 rating.