Former President of Ireland, Mary Robinson calls on Local Authorities and conservation specialists in Ireland to become leaders in the energy renovation of historic buildings
Former President of Ireland, Mary Robinson calls on Local Authorities and building and conservation specialists in Ireland to become leaders in the energy renovation of historic buildings.
Ms. Robinson was speaking in Dublin Castle to over 350 attendees at the launch of a Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) led professional training programme which falls under the EU-funded project ‘Support to the Renovation Wave – Deep Energy Renovation of Historic Buildings in Ireland’.
The objective of the training is to upskill public sector personnel which will allow the state to increase its capacity for retrofitting public sector historic and heritage buildings and will better equip the Government in meeting its ambitious targets as set out in its National Renovation Strategy.
The event was attended by senior architects, engineers, surveyors and specifiers, architectural conservation officers, building works specifiers, government departmental officers, local authority officials and those from private expert organisations in the sector across Ireland.
The training course is implemented by the OPW, TUS, Trinomics, Shaffrey Architects, Passivate Building Energy Consultants and Limerick City and County Council.
Speaking at the event, Former President of Ireland, Mary Robinson said, “Our buildings, our heritage, our story, and our identity must be sustainably managed – and become important and tangible symbols of hope and continuity.
“[Today is an example] of the practical and the academic working together, of cooperation between state and private sectors in order to get a good outcome. That is precisely the kind of coordinated partnership that we need in order to affect real change, so I warmly commend all the partners in this project.”
President of TUS, Professor Vincent Cunnane commented, “On behalf of TUS, it’s great to be here today for the launch of this innovative programme. Collaboration is at the heart of what we do, and this partnership between TUS, the OPW, Limerick City and County Council and private sector bodies enables the State to effectively address the skills gap in the area of retrofitting historical and cultural buildings. We are creating a model of partnership and innovation, as well as leveraging international best practice.
“Initiatives like this are not only going to equip participants of this training event with the skills needed to address energy conservation in our historic buildings, but it also strengthens capacity to collectively meet the demands of heritage conservation.”
Chair of the OPW John Conlon remarked, “I am delighted to be here today as Chairman for the Office of Public Works (OPW) to witness over 300 civil servants, across numerous Government Departments, undertake professional training on Deep Energy Renovation of Historic Buildings in Ireland. This invaluable training will better equip our professionals to assist the Government in meeting its targets as set out in its National Renovation Strategy and the National Development Plan to reduce energy emissions from buildings.
This exciting initiative draws upon the OPW guidance ‘Approaches to Improving the Energy Performance of Heritage Properties in State Care’, which was launched at the OPW architectural services conference last year. I am very proud that the OPW is delivering this training in collaboration with Limerick City and County Council (LCCC) and Technological University of Shannon (TUS) through funding received from the European Union.”
Directorate-General for Structural Reform Support, European Commission, Kaspar Richter said, “Buildings are the largest energy consumers in Europe, accounting for over 40 percent of our energy usage and a third of greenhouse gas emissions. They present substantial opportunities for enhancing energy efficiency and integrating renewables. The 3-day training programme is part of a project funded by the European Union via the Technical Support Instrument, aiming to tap into this potential for historic buildings. We are pleased to have supported the Irish Office of Public Works and Limerick City and County Council in their efforts to accelerate the renovation of traditionally built historic buildings in Ireland.”
The training covers the rapidly evolving policy and regulatory landscape, technological advancements in practice, from building inspection to risk assessment, design and post-renovation monitoring, including the wider environmental, economic, and social benefits of retaining and renovating the existing historic building stock across the country.