Bonniconlon West Housing Scheme
The Bonniconlon West Housing Scheme consists of 5 A1 BER rated units. Nature-based solutions were incorporated in the project in that all the storm water generated due to the development is retained onsite through the use of permeable surfacing and a soakaway constructed onsite which absorbs all rainwater collected from the roofs. Other measures such as Air Source Heat Pumps, PV Panels and demand Controlloed Ventilation are part of the design of this A1 rated scheme.
From 1 November 2019, new building standards apply to all new residential dwellings (houses or apartments). New dwellings will typically require a Building Energy Rating (BER) of A2. A BER certificate shows a building’s energy performance.
New dwellings with this high level of energy performance are called Nearly Zero Energy Buildings (NZEB). NZEB homes will be 70% more energy efficient and emit 70% less carbon dioxide than those built under 2005 Building Regulations standards.
The changes will result in new homes being more energy efficient and cheaper to heat than existing dwellings. They will give health benefits through increased comfort and better air quality.
With 40% of Ireland’s energy-related carbon emissions coming from buildings, these changes will help address climate change. Statistics show that NZEB Regulations are removing the use of solid fuel in new dwellings and benefitting outdoor air quality.
These changes come from the EU Nearly Zero Energy Building (NZEB) Regulations. The regulations apply to the design and construction of a new dwelling.
For more information on NZEB buildings, visit the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland’s website.