Client Belvedere College
Location Dublin, Ireland
Designing a comprehensive Net-Zero carbon strategy for a mixed building facility with a fully operational theatre and sports facilities
About the project
Comprising of 7 No. buildings with classrooms, labs, workshops, offices, a canteen, a gym, swimming pool, theatre and urban farm, Belvedere College is a secondary school in Dublin city centre. IN2 was appointed to contribute to a full masterplan to determine 2030 and 2050 net zero targets, and create a net zero carbon strategy.
Given the huge variety of spaces on site, IN2's wide breadth of experience both in the theatre and sports sector informed the net zero strategy that was tailored for the multi-purpose buildings - such as the swimming pool and theatre - that are also open to the public over the school holidays.
Using Dynamic Simulation Modelling (EDSL TAS software), IN2 assessed potential carbon and energy performance measures of the existing building to create a representative energy model that undertook thermal, daylight and sunlight, and ventilation simulations to reflect how each building operated on a year-round basis. After this analysis, it was decided that upgrades would need to be made to meet a 51% reduction in carbon emissions by CAP2030 targets, and to meet 2050 net zero targets.
The works and upgrades were agreed to be carried out in two phases:
Phase 1
This phase addresses carbon targets through plant room upgrades to be completed before 2030. Four upgrade options are proposed:
- Disconnecting the gym and Finlay buildings from the Kerr boilers and providing new Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP) for these areas instead.
- Replacing the current boilers within the Kerr plant room with new highly efficient natural gas boilers.
- Replacing the current boilers within the Kerr plant room with new air source heat pumps (ASHP) for space heating and domestic hot water (DHW).
- Replacing all fluorescent lighting with LEDs with smart capabilities.
Phase 2
This phase will be focussed on meeting emissions targets for net zero in 2050. Included in this phase is the proposal to install air source heat pumps (ASHP), replace all existing natural gas boilers for space heating and DHW, and demolish and rebuild the existing Kerr building. The masterplan upgrades are predicted to reduce carbon emissions by 83% and meet 2050 net zero targets. It is also recommended that new ASHP/s are to be installed in the gym and Finlay buildings, and that these spaces are decoupled from the KERR building boiler room.
Due to the increased reliance on renewable energy sources, it is predicted that carbon neutrality will be achieved, and that the all-electric services strategy would achieve carbon neutrality in advance of 2050.
