Published 30 July 2026

The project comprised energy upgrade works to two community centres in Ballinfoile and Knocknacarra for Galway City Council under the SEAI Energy Pathfinder Programme.

The intention of the Pathfinder project was to reduce carbon emissions by 50% ahead of the 2030 target date and to include a pathway towards net-zero carbon by 2050. The works included a range of upgrades to heating, hot water, and lighting systems, alongside building fabric improvements, with the most important aspect involving the electrification of heat and hot water production through the use of air to water heat pump technology.

The initial design phase involved developing accurate geometric and baseline energy models for each building, calibrated against actual metered energy consumption to ensure the modelled energy use closely reflected operational performance. These baseline models were then used to assess the impact of the proposed energy efficiency measures.

Simulations generated detailed energy profiles, including total consumption and system-specific loads such as heating, ventilation, lighting, and plug loads. The proposed fabric and mechanical upgrades were then incorporated into the models to evaluate predicted energy and carbon savings against the Pathfinder targets. By calibrating the baseline models to actual building performance, confidence was established that the projected reductions were realistic and achievable.

Assessments were carried out using the Non-Domestic Energy Assessment Procedure (NEAP) to determine the impact on Building Energy Rating (BER), while the CIBSE TM54 methodology was applied to produce operationally realistic estimates of energy and carbon savings.

Working closely with the project Quantity Surveyor, capital costs for each measure were also assessed. Through collaboration with MosArt Architects and drawing on experience from similar refurbishment projects, a robust tender package was developed that minimised the risk of significant cost overruns arising from unforeseen conditions within the existing buildings.

We provided full energy modelling together with mechanical and electrical design services for both community centres, which were tendered and delivered as a single project.