NetZero Case Study: Bray Fire Station in Bray, Co. Wicklow

History of Bray Fire Station

The original Bray Fire Station located at the Town Hall in Bray, Co. Wicklow, was recognised as one of the top consumers of fossil fuels in Wicklow County’s building stock, and it was no longer fit for purpose. The building was completed in the 1970’s and had received limited updates since opening.

Description of Proposed Project

NetZero Group proposed measures to achieve the full decarbonisation of the Bray Fire Station through a comprehensive approach. A complete overhaul of the building’s heating system was necessary, which included the installation of an Air Source Heat Pump to replace the existing gas heating system, new radiators, and new pipework throughout the building.

The site also needed new plant equipment including headers, pumps, DHW, zoning, and remote monitoring. As it’s always important to improve a building’s airtightness when installing a new heating system, our experts also recommended replacing all of the site’s single-glazed windows with A rated double-glazed windows, and replacing the existing appliance bay doors with more insulated panel appliance bay doors.

Decarbonising the Bray Fire Station

GOALS

• Create a more comfortable building for users
• Create an exemplary building for other public bodies to follow
• Rejuvenate a 40-year-old building with a retrofit leading to full building decarbonisation
• Reduce overall operating and energy costs
• Help Wicklow County Council reach their 2030 carbon targets

MEASURES

• Replaced all elements of existing gas fired boilers with renewable Air to Water Heat Pumps
• Installed new radiators appropriately sized for each room
• Added new pipework throughout the building
• Replaced all single glazed windows with A-rated double glazed windows
• Removed old appliance bay doors and replaced with insulated doors
• Installed energy efficient LED lighting throughout the entire building
• Better insulated all interior walls and roof
• Installed Solar Photovoltaics in order to relieve dependence on fossil-fuel powered electricity grid

Project Outcomes

Through installation of key commercial retrofit measures, the building’s total energy use has been reduced by 60%, and the direct carbon emissions were reduced by 100%. The fire station’s starting building energy rating of E1 was also improved through the works to B1. Following NetZero Group’s extensive energy upgrades, Bray Fire Station is now officially the first fully decarbonised building in all of Wicklow County.