• Cases studies

In the framework of the 1st conference, site visits were organised and by following the links below, you will find several case studies on both retrofitted houses and new buildings.

These case studies give a good overview of the type of upgrades, the costs, the return of investment for the owners, the further potential upgrades as well as the energy performance expected after completion of the work.

Case study of a non residential building

• SERVE: Final report on ESCOs

SERVE (Sustainable Energy in the Rural Village Environment) has completed its report including a review of energy supply and energy service companies (ESCOs) in Ireland and some other selected countries (UK, Finland, Austria, Croatia), identifying main success and failure factors, and providing recommendations for the establishment of ESCOs within the SERVE region.

For the purposes of this report an ESCO is defined as a company which guarantees energy savings and/or the provision of the same level of energy service at a lower cost through the implementation of an energy efficiency or renewable energy sources.

The report is downloadable here.

• Newsletters

-Newsletter 4 (March 2010)

In the fourth issue of the newsletter, you'll read about the "SERVE Phase III", the third call expression of interest under the SERVE project, which now includes grants for energy efficiency retrofitting, grants for renewable energy systems (only open to already highly energy efficient homes). You'll read more on the latest developments in the Eco-village in Cloughjordan, and especially about a case study of the most efficient house : a Hemp house.

In this issue, you'll find out more as well on the SERVE conference in April 23, linked to site visits on 22nd.

Should you wish to receive regular updates on the project, you may also subscribe to SERVE e-Newsletter, from SERVE's website homepage (http://www.servecommunity.ie - using the box on the top of the page)

Newsletter 3 (July 2009)

In this third issue of the newsletter, you'll read about the "SERVE Phase II", the second call expression of interest under the SERVE project, which now includes, in addition to the grants for energy efficiency retrofitting, grants for renewable energy systems (only open to already highly energy efficient homes). You'll read more on the official launch of the construction phase of the Eco-Village in Cloughjordan, and about the installation of the largest 100% RES district heating system in Ireland; with the interview of Trevor Buttimer, who supervises the installation of that direct heating system. Also in this issue, more from around SERVE (including the report on ESCO's in Ireland), and what is to come next.

Should you wish to receive regular updates on the project, you may also subscribe to SERVE e-Newsletter, from SERVE's website homepage (http://www.servecommunity.ie - using the box on the top of the page)

Newsletter 2 (Avr. 2009)

In this second issue of the newsletter, you'll read about the first retrofitting made in the SERVE region. Our interview of Shane Barrett, Energy Advisor from the Eco-Village in Cloughjordan will provide you with insight on that initiative. Also in this issue, more from around SERVE, and much more to come next.

Should you wish to receive regular updates on the project, you may also subscribe to SERVE e-Newsletter, from SERVE's website homepage (http://www.servecommunity.ie - using the box on the top of the page)

Newsletter 1 (Oct. 2008)

This issue of the newsletter will provide with background information on the project, as well as the latest news on its activities. Click here to access the e-newsletter summary and main highlights, or browse through the e-newsletter pages to have news from the SERVE region, from the Eco-Village in Cloughjordan, from the initiatives taken around SERVE, or to know what's next under the project.

Should you wish to receive regular updates on the project, you may also subscribe to SERVE e-Newsletter, from SERVE's website homepage (http://www.servecommunity.ie - using the box on the top of the page)