Deadline extended for energy efficiency awards

The deadline for submitting entries to the Isover Energy Efficiency Awards (EEA) has been extended until October 11.

The inaugural awards scheme is being targeted at building professionals including architects, engineers, builders and developers, across Ireland, who have worked on both new build and renovation projects with very low energy demand.

A €10,000 prize will be presented to the overall winner of the Irish finals who will go forward to represent Ireland at a European awards ceremony in Madrid in May 2011. The awards scheme acknowledges the considerable shift within the Irish construction industry towards energy efficient building design, according to Kieran Holohan of Isover Ireland.

Holohan said that the awards will celebrate Ireland’s most energy efficient renovation and new construction projects, both in the residential and non-residential sectors.

He added: “The Isover Energy Efficiency Awards reflect two environmental issues that are at the very heart of our core objectives - protection of the environment in the face of climate change, and enhancing the quality of and physical comfort in the buildings where we work and live.”

Holohan pointed out that much of Ireland’s existing building stock continues to consume a considerable amount of energy for heating with significant emissions of greenhouse gases from the burning of fossil fuels.

“New building regulations coupled with a change in consumer behaviour and attitudes has led to a significant increase in the number of renovation and construction projects embracing energy efficient design."

“Not only will this new awards scheme honour those who have excelled in the energy efficient building sector but it will also allow scheme participants to exchange and share knowledge and experience in the field. Isover Ireland is confident that this will help to highlight the importance of improving the energy performance of our buildings and, subsequently, the inhabitants' quality of life."

The adjudication panel includes leading Irish experts in the field of green design and construction, namely Tomas O'Leary, Passive House Academy Ireland; Jeff Colley, editor of Construct Ireland and winner of the 2010 Green Leader Award; Jay Stuart RIBA, sustainable design consultant; and Zdenka Debartoli, international market manager building, ISOVER.

Projects entered in the competition must be fully completed by December 2010 and not more than 5 years old. Closing date for entries is Monday 11 October 2010. The Irish awards ceremony will take place in December 2010. For more see www.isover-eea.com.