Oaklee Homes Group wins top Action Renewables Award
A state of the art development, built by Oaklee Homes Group, has resulted in the first social houses built to certified Passive House standard in Ireland - and it has this week also won the housing group a top eco award for excellence in its field.
The five-home project based in Dungannon, Co Tyrone took joint first place under the Most Innovative Renewables Installation at the Action Renewables Awards held in Belfast, for being among the most energy efficient homes in the Province.
Referring to the project,Northern Ireland’s Assembly’s Social Development Minister, Nelson McCausland, MLA, said: “The Department for Social Development is responsible for tackling fuel poverty and the new eco scheme will be used to provide practical learning for future social housing developments.”
The Passive House standard produces a virtually airtight building with the effect of maintaining comfortable living condition. According to Brian Rankin Oaklee’s Energy Officer, a key aim of the Lisnahull development is to ensure that the occupants are able to live comfortably with very low running costs.
He said: “The new project is not only the first social housing scheme inIrelandcertified to the highly efficient Passive House standard, in addition, it is one of only a few schemes inNorthern Irelandbuilt to Level 4 of The Code for Sustainable Homes.”
“As part of the development solar thermal was installed and integrated into the housing design. The solar thermal contributes to both heating and hot water. With the homes being built to the Passive House standard, they require significantly less heat.”
Brian added: “As this scheme is unique, it is extremely important that monitoring takes place. Thanks to funding from the Technology Strategy Board, these homes will be monitored over two years, with energy use, comfort and tenant opinions considered.”
Oaklee Homes Group was also recognised in the Best Promotion of Sustainable Transport category at the awards, for its work in promoting sustainable transport within the work environment. The Action Renewables' Association Awards now in its fifth year is an established and important event within the Renewable Energy industry calendar in Northern Ireland. The event provides a forum for public and private sector organisations and professionals with a business interest in renewable energy and sustainability to come together, celebrate success and recognise achievement within this developing industry.
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If you would like any further information, please do not hesitate to contact
Jenny Sharp, Marketing and Communications Officer – Oaklee Homes Group
Tel: 0845 073 0005 Email: [email protected]
Web: www.oaklee.org.uk
