Implementing the low energy concept into current Irish housing building delivery processes - Issues and barriers

This paper describes the additional considerations in the practice of building a low energy dwelling compared to building a typical dwelling built to current building regulation energy standard in Ireland. It highlights issues, that are specific to a low energy dwelling within planning, design, construction and post construction stages, being addressed for their achievement. There is a lack of knowledge in the design low energy dwellings; lack of know how on site practices required to achieve low levels of air tightness and good quality installation of building systems. In the post construction phase undertaking a pressurization test and achieving low air tightness level is not required in main stream construction, resulting in a lack of knowledge, available equipment, and additional costs associated with it. This paper concludes by discussing areas where improvements are necessary to overcome barriers to successfully implement the low energy concept within Irish building delivery processes.