Solar buildings the way forward, conference told

Passive solar designed buildings have been touted as a way forward for Irish construction, a conference on solar energy was told.

Paul Kellett of Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) was speaking at "See the Light 2005", the annual solar energy conference and study tour, organised by SEI in association with the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland (RIAI).

He said a fundamental rethink in the way buildings are being designed, constructed and operated has been brought to the forefront by the continued threat of climate change and the volatility of oil prices.

Mr Kellett said: “A building that utilises passive solar design is naturally heated and cooled, requires less energy, does not compromise on comfort or architectural aesthetics and is less harmful to our environment.

"Today, there are well over 10,000 passive houses across Europe and now commercial buildings, factories, hotels, offices and supermarkets are also embracing the standard. The concept has already become a resounding market success in Austria, Switzerland, Scandinavia and Germany."

The first factory built timber-frame Irish passive solar house was constructed in Galway in March and does not have any central heating. It will be showcased at the conference.

“Green building should not be viewed as a passing fad, but rather as a valid and valuable growing trend,” Mr Kellett said.

Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) is the statutory authority charged with promoting and assisting the development of energy efficiency and renewable energy.`

SEI is funded by the Government under the National Development Plan 2000 – 2006 with programmes part-financed by the European Union.