Client Mater Misericordiae University Hospital
Location Dublin, Ireland
Driving an ambitious decarbonisation project for a 1861 building
About the project
Ushering in the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital’s (MMUH) ambitious decarbonisation roadmap, IN2 were appointed to design a practical, low-risk pathway to decarbonise the Misericordiae Building (East & West Wings) at Mater Misericordiae University Hospital in line with the HSE Climate Action Strategy (2023–2050), Climate Action Plan 2023, HSE Sustainable Design requirements and relevant technical guidance.
The project, which aims for a ~4.7 GWh annual gas reduction and a net carbon reduction by ~1,750 tCO₂/yr by 2030, is aligned with Ireland’s Climate Action Plan 2030, the Government’s Climate Action Plan 2025 objectives, and Net-Zero status by 2050. The scope is limited to decarbonising heating and domestic hot water (DHW) for the Misericordiae Building
The Misericordiae building was constructed in 1861, posing unique challenges due to the building’s outdated existing fabric and integrated systems. Today, it is predominantly an administrative and outpatient support space and has steady occupancy and moderate thermal requirements, making it a strong early candidate for heat-pump deployment without extensive internal refurbishment. The proposal, therefore, replaces local gas boilers with a fully electrified heat-pump solution. Domestic hot water is converted to a heat-pump-led, stored-hot-water arrangement with periodic thermal disinfection under BMS control.
In another move away from fossil fuels, the plan integrates the utilisation of geothermal spots on site. The courtyard was the only technically and operationally viable geothermal location on campus, offering clear plan area, short routes to the plantrooms and minimal disruption to clinical operations. This required the installation of boreholes in the courtyard, for which geological and archaeological surveys were needed. Upon review of the existing electrical system – and in order to achieve decarbonisation goals - IN2 provided new local upgrades that included a new LV switchboard and transformer, ensuring decarbonisations goals can be met.
The MMUH is set to be one of the country’s leading healthcare facilities in energy innovation. IN2’s contribution prepares the campus for phased transition away from fossil fuels while maintaining occupant comfort and operational continuity throughout.
