Natural gas with solar panels deliver "A" rated new homes

Supporting developers to achieve the NZEB standard with natural gas

Part L (NZEB) of the Building Regulations require new residential buildings to have a very high energy performance. The low amount of energy (nearly zero) that these buildings require should, to a significant extent, come from renewable sources produced on-site or nearby.

Ashcroft Developments are an Irish owned residential development company with extensive experience of delivering high quality homes in the Dublin commuter belt.

Berford is Ashcroft Developments' latest new housing development in County Meath that combines natural gas with solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and energy efficient designs to ensure each home has an A2 BER rating and meets Part L (NZEB) of the Building Regulations.

By implementing exceptional insulation standards, photovoltaic solar energy systems, high efficiency gas boilers and demand-controlled ventilation systems, Ashcroft Developments were able to deliver an affordable A rated development for home buyers. In addition, this sustainable development will benefit from the future decarbonisation of the national gas network as more renewable gas is introduced.

If you wish to explore how you can achieve NZEB standards for your planned development and provide your customers all the benefits of natural gas, please contact us today for a free consultation.

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Ready for renewable gas

Ireland's gas network is a vital national asset that generates almost 50% of Ireland's electricity. Today, more than 680,000 Irish homes rely on the gas network to provide safe, reliable, and flexible energy to meet their heating, cooking and power needs. By gradually replacing natural gas with renewable, carbon neutral and ultimately zero carbon gases, such as biomethane and hydrogen, these same homes and more will be powered by increasingly cleaner energy.

Biomethane, which began flowing on the network in 2019, is the first step on this journey. Produced from agricultural and food waste, this renewable gas is structurally identical to natural gas and can be used in exactly the same way through the existing infrastructure, boilers and appliances, meaning homeowners will transition to this carbon neutral energy and play their part in progressing Ireland towards a cleaner energy future, without changing a thing. By connecting new homes and developments to the gas network today, you are ensuring that each homeowner will have reliable and cleaner energy keeping them and their families warm and comfortable for years to come.

Benefits of natural gas and solar panels

Lower energy costs for homeowners
Meets Part L building regulations/NZEB
Solar PV panels provide renewable energy
Ready for renewable gases such as biomethane and hydrogen
Compatible with modern heating controls
Warmer, energy efficient A2 BER rated homes

"Natural gas remained our energy source of choice, as it is familiar to our homeowners and will allow them to continue to decarbonise their homes into the future using renewable gas."

Damien Kennedy
Project Manager, Ashcroft Developments

SYSTEM FEATURES AND BUILDING FABRIC

90% efficient boiler

A Glow-worm Easicom 3 25s gas boiler is a highly efficient modern condensing boiler. The compact dimensions of this boiler allow it to be concealed neatly within kitchen or utility cupboards.

Airtight PVC windows

Each home's energy performance will benefit from the installation of double-glazed, argon filled PVC windows that will eliminate draughts and heat loss.

Whole house extract ventilation

Each home utilises Aereco V4A continuous mechanical extract ventilation with humidity control, supplemented with window trickle passive air vents.

Building fabric and performance coefficients

The figures below outline the performance of the building when assessed using the Dwelling Energy Assessment Procedure (DEAP) and demonstrates compliance with Part L (NZEB), achieving the required A2 standard.

Building Energy Rating Parameters	Part (NZEB) Requirement	DEAP File (Actual)
Floor U-Value W/m2K	0.18	0.13
Wall U-Value W/m2K	0.18	0.15
Roof U-Value	0.16	0.11
Window U-Value	1.40	1.20
Door U-Value	1.40	1.40
Air Permeability m3/hr/m2	5	5
Thermal Bridging Factor W/m2K	0.08	0.08
Carbon Performance Coefficient (CPC)	0.35	0.246
Energy Performance Coefficient (EPC)	0.30	0.286
Renewable Energy Ratio (RER)	0.20	0.33
Boiler Efficiency	0.90	0.90

Benefits of solar PV panels

Lower energy bills

On average, a solar PV system can save between €200 - €300 per year on a domestic electricity bill (SEAI 2020).

Operate all year

Modern, high efficiency solar PV panels operate all year round, ensuring the benefits to the homeowner are not restricted to the summer period.

Reduced emissions

Generating renewable electricity will mean the energy consumed will be clean therefore reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Ashcroft Developments - Case study

Ashcroft Developments Case Study