B2B Guide to Large-Scale Residential and Commercial Retrofit Projects
As European energy prices continue to increase, the Irish market could harness significant savings by upgrading existing energy systems like traditional boilers with greener alternatives and improving insulation.
With an increase in grant funding for businesses from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), now is an ideal time to undertake larger-scale projects. Our brief guide to planning larger renewable energy retrofitting projects will help your business efficiently complete works and meet client expectations.
1. Energy Audits
During the early planning stages for a large renewable energy retrofitting project, it’s best to conduct a professional audit. The auditor will measure the electrical consumption, energy use for heating and cooling, and insulation performance, and the resulting report can serve as a helpful roadmap to help your business plan the most impactful improvements.
2. Informed Planning
After the auditor provides their informed list of recommendations for specific improvements, you’ll need to plan specifics like reaching a specific BER rating for residential buildings or net-zero in commercial.
Make a plan to implement the recommended improvements working from the outside in. First, focus on building fabric improvements like insulation before moving on to the installation of things like heat pumps and building management systems.
3. Secure Grant Funding
SEAI offers more than 15 different grants for businesses looking to install solar panels, building wraps, ventilation systems, and heat pumps. Most provide immediate availability of funds after submission of application. For our full guide to SEAI Grants for Businesses.
4. Hire Renewable Energy Project Experts
When working on large and complex projects, Netzero Group handles the entire process from design to contractor management and grant administration.
5. Measure Results and Schedule Maintenance
After works are finished, it’s important to conduct a study of the results to ensure all systems are performing as needed and that the improved building now meets the target residential BER ratings or commercial standards.
For more assistance in planning large-scale residential and commercial renewable energy retrofitting projects, contact us today.