Deep Retrofit Transforms Wexford Sheltered Housing

Policies and Measures

The Deep Retrofit Transforms Wexford Sheltered Housing project retrofitted 12 x 1-bedroom bungalows, involving social housing tenants on College View, Wexford town. These 12 properties were first to benefit from the 50% grant aid through the SEAI’s Deep Retrofit Pilot scheme. All homes were constructed in the early 70’s and had pre-building BER ratings of F or G. All homes also had issues with inadequate ventilation and thermal bridging, resulting in mould growth on damp stains on the ceilings and internal wall surfaces. Following the renovations, all homes were retrofitted to A1, A2 and A3 BER rating.

Apart from the energy savings, the project is expected to have significant health benefits for the homeowners, as they will enjoy thermal comfort, cleaner, better circulated air and improved living conditions. The project activities developed by the Wexford County Council, with project management assistance from 3CEA include:

Installing roof/attic and external wall insulation as a system and upgrading the ventilation within the existing roof space to ensure there are no issues post works. The result was a reduction in the thermal bridging at key junctions. Increasing insulation in the walls (external wall insulation upgrades) to reduce the building heat demand and associated emissions.

Installing airtight solutions – specific membranes and airtight tape was utilised throughout, with specific attention to key junctions such as window/door reveals.

Reducing the heat loss indicator (HLI), following the fabric measures, enabled a heat pump to be installed, including time, temperature and zone control. The project is a good example of innovative technology and community engagement. To participate in the scheme all homes had to have a pre-air tightness test and a pre-building energy rating (BER) completed to establish the current energy efficiency of the dwellings.

Using the DEAP software, energy-efficient measures were identified in order to achieve the required minimum A3 rating post works.

With a total budget of 368,000 euros and 25,000 euros per household, the project achieved: Space heating and hot water costs of 25.50 euros per month per dwelling. NZEB energy and carbon targets in 10 out of the 12 dwellings. High satisfaction levels in relation to the locality, the overall functional performance and appearance of the houses. BER ratings in 8 out of 12 of the dwellings of: A in three cases, B1 in four cases, C1 in one case. Some difficulties included a number of tenants being reluctant to give up the heating systems they were used to and achieving airtightness.

The project started in 2017 and was completed in 2018. Main beneficiaries: house owners and vulnerable population. It addressed the topics of: air quality, building insulation, energy efficiency, health, heating and cooling systems, household appliances, indoor comfort (thermal comfort, housing quality) and quality of dwellings. The partners of the project were: local authority, research centre, energy agency, private companies through the Dublin City Council, University College Dublin, Three Counties Energy Agency (3CEA), DCI Energy Efficient Solutions, Jeff O’Toole, Pw Thermal Building Solutions Ltd, Isover, Weatherglaze,LCC Group,Daikin, Aldes, ACTIV8 Solar Energies.