Case Study - St. Helena's Court, Finglas
A gas boiler and solar photovoltaic solution, one of many ways of complying with Part L using natural gas.
Background Information
Dublin City Council New Build Homes with Natural Gas
Located at St. Helena's Court, Finglas, this Dublin City Council Development meets all Part L building regulations using natural gas combined with renewable technology. This rapid build project used off-site manufacturing techniques and steel frame (LGSF) technology to expedite the building process. Built to a very high standard, 39 families will now call this development home. This development was built utilizing the services of ABM Construction, who provided an integrated turn–key design, construction and project management service, as well as Clean Energy Ireland who designed, supplied and fitted the Solar PV systems and carried out the air tightness testing.
Dublin City Council New Build Homes with Natural Gas
This Dublin City Council rapid build project used off-site manufacturing techniques and steel frame (LSFG) technology to expedite the building process. Built to a very high standard, 39 families will now call this building home.
This building was developed using utilizing the services of ABM Construction, who provided an integrated turn-key design, construction and project management service, as well as Clean Energy Ireland who designed, supplied and fitted the Solar PV systems and carried out the air tightness testing.
"Gas Networks Ireland's commitment to new Local Authority Housing Projects, made the connection process efficient."
SYSTEM FEATURES
90% efficient boiler
A Glow-worm gas boiler operates at 90% efficiency. This highly efficient boiler has zone control for 3 heating zones.
Building Fabric: Compliant with U-Value Requirements
|
Floor: |
U-Value of 0.11 W/m2.K |
|
Walls: |
U-Value of 0.16 W/m2.K |
|
Roof: |
U-Value of 0.10 W/m2.K |
|
Windows: |
U-Value of 0.95 W/m2.K |
Heating Systems: ≥90% efficient boiler
Main Heating System:
90% efficient gas fired condensing boiler with standard size radiators.
Heating Controls and Water Storage:
Time and temperature zone controls in conjunction with an insulated 162 litre water cylinder.
Ventilation: Natural Ventilation throughout the house
These houses contain triple glazed windows with natural ventilation and an air tightness value of just over 0.099 air changes per hour of floor area.
Renewable Energy Contribution: ≥10 kWh Thermal Renewable Energy per metre squared per year
This development required each house to have between 2-5 solar PV 310W panels. St Helena’s easily complies with the renewable energy contribution with a thermal equivalent of 15.25 kWh per metre squared per year.
| Performance Coefficients | Part L requirement | Actual |
| Carbon Performance Coefficient (CPC) | <0.46 | 0.350 |
| Energy Performance Coefficient (EPC) | <0.4 | 0.386 |
Meets Part L compliance easily
The combination of natural gas, renewable technology and insulation means this development surpasses all of the Part L Building Regulation requirements in using a cost effective approach. With natural gas, homeowners are guaranteed a fully proven ‘A’ rated solution.
What is Rapid Build Housing?
Rapid-delivery houses are typically factory build structures in either wood, steels or modular form. Due to the construction method, houses can be constructed off-site and transported to the project site for completion. This single transport method cuts down the need for a wide range of machinery and personnel on the construction site. All materials can be more efficiently measured, cut and constructed ensuring reduced waste of build materials.
What is Photovoltaic Technology?
Photovoltaic (PV) panels generate electrical power by converting solar radiation into free electricity for the homeowner. The photovoltaic system provided by Clean Energy Ireland consists of solar panels collecting light energy from the sun that is then converted to supply electricity to the home.
Easy to operate and maintain
Owners of these homes will be able to come in, switch the heating on and enjoy instant and controllable space heating and hot water thanks to natural gas. A modern solution for a modern home. Servicing a gas boiler is a simple process which is performed on an annual basis by one of the many 2,500 Registered Gas Installers (RGIs) around Ireland, traditionally ensuring a prolonged life cycle of 20-25 years.
"Working with Gas Networks Ireland in order to provide a really cost effective sustainable energy solution for Local Authority New Build Projects in conjunction with Dublin City Council means Clean Energy Ireland can take pride in providing a really good product."