Public buildings within the community such as Glenealy Hall, Glenealy National School, and Kilbride Church are currently being repaired and upgraded to higher energy efficiency levels.
Glenealy School
The case study retrofit project on St Joseph National School was completed by the end of August 2012.
Work in Progress
Major Retrofit/Insulation Project
The retrofit works comprised of building fabric upgrades to the two classrooms situated in the back blocks of the school, along with the installation of more energy efficient heat pump and low temperature radiators to serve these two classrooms.
The building fabric upgrades included replacing the existing single glazed windows with triple glazed Passive Standard Windows.
The existing cavity walls were pumped with blown bead insulation and additional external insulation was to be fixed to the external face of the building and rendered.
This not only reduces heat losses but is also gives the facade a fresher and more interesting appearance.
Passive Standard Windows
Better Classrooms for Our Children
The result was not alone greatly reduced U-values, but it also gave the façade a fresher and more interesting appearance.
The two classrooms were taken off the school heating system and are now heated by an air to water heat-pump.
The heating load for this space has fallen by 50%. It’s hoped that as funds become available, the same approach will inform similar energy upgrades throughout the school.
External Insulation Completed
Long-Term Savings for Our School
These works are expected to greatly reduce the current heat Load and heat demand saving the school in the long run in terms of running costs.
The project was part funded by the Ballynagran Energy Plus Community funds and by supplier donations from Isover, Kingspan Renewables and Munster Joinery.
It is possible that in the very near future the entire school will achieve Passive House certification.
It has also featured in a recent issue of the magazine Construct Ireland!
Proud of Our Area
A Community announces its Goal ——> Energy Plus
Keep a look out for the “Ballynagran Road Signs” which are going up around the community to inform motorists they are entering our Energy Plus Community!
These are not just another way of publicizing the Ballynagran Energy Plus Project but also help to affirm and build solidarity.
Hopefully, over the long term, a true sense of identification will emerge and the area will justifiably become well known for its innovative and positive approach to energy consumption and production.
Certainly the Ballynagran Energy Plus Group believes that it is swimming with the tide!
Kilbride Church
Retrofitting of church completed
Glenealy Hall
Community Hall
Energy upgrade and repair works currently underway
Glenealy Village Hall provides services to the wider area including Ballynagran and surrounding townlands.
Activities take place in the hall include:
AA meetings, Badminton for children and adults, Mother and toddler group, Ballroom dancing, Latin dancing, Art classes, Card drives, Birthday Parties, Indoor hurling, Tennis Camps/classes, Community drama workshops, Community Games activities, General community meetings
