dlr Housing Awarded EnerPhit Certification
Rochestown House, Sallynoggin, Co Dublin is the first and largest social housing scheme in Ireland to be awarded EnerPhit certification, a Passive House standard for refurbishment of existing buildings.
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council is one of the most progressive local authorities in the country when it comes to energy standards. The EnerPhit approach contributes significantly towards energy conservation and climate protection, while also increasing the value of the property. An Cathaoirleach, Councillor Ossian Smyth
Built in the 1970s, Rochestown House had become run down and the accommodation – largely bedsits – required significant upgrading and modernisation. The project started with a full overview of the site on the basis of regeneration, re-using and re-adapting existing buildings for elderly residents. It has now been completely transformed and accommodates 34 one bed apartments, thanks to a deep energy retrofit inspired by passive house principles. Rochestown House also won the ‘Best Sustainable Project’ Award from the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland.
It is an excellent example of environmental, social and economic sustainability in housing. New housing is being designed to nZEB and Passive House principles and current pilots include deep energy retrofits of different house types that can be replicated elsewhere Andrée Dargan, County Architect and dlr Energy Performance Officer
Rochestown House was chosen as one of 20 pilot projects in 9 countries in the European Pilot scheme called EuroPhit which looked at how housing stock across Europe could be retrofitted to achieve a high energy standard. EnerPhit Certified buildings provide an opportunity to combine optimum thermal comfort, maximum energy efficiency and minimum running cost.
The initiative was mostly funded through the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government and a Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland’s Better Energy Communities grant.
 "Rochestown House, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council")