Dundalk is Ireland's first sustainable energy zone (SEZ) which comprises a range of initiatives that have placed it as a leader in improving sustainable energy performance across the country. Coordinated by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI), the project called Dundalk 2020 initially focuses on developing a four square kilometre sustainable energy zone in the town. The project goal is to demonstrate how all sectors can collectively work to significantly reduce their impact on the environment. Local and national stakeholders in the public and private sector have signalled their intent to support the project by signing a Charter committing to use their best efforts to assist project goals. This aspiration is backed up by specific targets to be achieved by 2010, with the commitment to supply 20 per cent of heat and electricity from renewable sources and improving energy efficiency in designated buildings by 40 per cent. The sustainable energy zone in Dundalk is the lead community of three international communities, Mödling (Austria) and Neuchâtel (Switzerland) are the others. They form part of a consortium that recently received a contract for funding from the Concerto programme, part of the EU's Sixth Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development. David Taylor, Chief Executive SEI described the contract as a milestone for Dundalk and a significant event in Ireland as it is the first Concerto contract awarded to this country. "This is recognition that what is happening in Dundalk and the other communities is providing leadership not only in Ireland but across the EU. It will also cement Dundalk's status as an innovation gateway and a demonstration of sustainable energy best practice." Newry and Mourne District Council, which is an observer member of the Project, is using knowledge gained to assist the development sustainable energy projects in Newry City. Other stakeholders include the ESB, IDA, Enterprise Ireland, Teagasc and the Departments of Education, Environment, Communications, Energy and Natural Resources as well as Dundalk Town Council, Louth County Council, Dundalk Chamber of Commerce and Dundalk Institute of Technology. The funding allocated to Dundalk is being used primarily used for demonstration purposes. Funding support is provided for the installation of a biomass (wood chip) fired district heating scheme to provide heat to residential, industrial and commercial users. It is also planned to support the installation of a 1.8MW wind turbine. Trials of advanced domestic electricity meters have started and this will help householders understand and control their electricity usage. In addition renewable energy street lighting is now in trial phase and will be installed as part of the development of the industrial park in the future. An energy bureau is being established to collate energy information for the sustainable energy zone. The refurbishment of existing buildings to a high standard of energy efficiency is also part of the project and during the summer O'Fiach College, the second level college in the zone received an insulation refurbishment that improved energy efficiency by 60%. The HSE is currently undergoing similar works on buildings in Louth County Hospital. Insulation improvements and installation of efficient heating systems to low income houses to bring the energy performance to at least the standard required of new houses in Ireland were carried out with Dundalk Town council. SEI are also working with the Residents Associations in Muirhevena Mór and Ard Easmuinn to develop sustainable energy practices for the home. Good sustainable energy practices are not confined to buildings and in the last 12 months local Industry and business have undergone a programme of training with SEI to assist them in reaching best practice in process efficiency. This initiative has resulted in the businesses collectively achieving savings of over ?500,000 per annum. A new eco-friendly development of smart homes was launched in October this year called Carlinn Hall. This is a new residential development in the Dundalk 20/20 sustainable energy zone. Every home in the Carlinn Hall development on the Mullagharlin Road will be heated by a state-of-the-art district heating system that works like a domestic central heating system, only on a larger scale. Water is heated at a central energy centre and circulated through an underground insulated pipe network to each home in the development, which has its own separate meter and an electronic system to control the internal temperature. In addition to reduced hot water wastage and improved air quality, with 90 per cent biofuel used to generate heat, each house will save up to 70% CO2 emissions. SEI is delighted to lead the Dundalk 2020 project, but this is only possible through the support received from all the partner organisations. More information on the project can be found at www.sei.ie/dundalk2020 Tweet

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