Seven sports centres across Dublin city are set to upgraded under a new Energy Performance Contract (EPC).

Dublin City Council has struck a deal with Noel Lawler Green Energy Solutions for the project, which will see the energy efficiency of the centres improved. Upgrades include new LED lighting; new combined heat and power system; improved building control systems; and renewable energy measures through the installation of solar photovoltaic panels.

This work places the Council as the only local authority in Ireland to implement an EPC model.

The centres to benefit from upgrades are Ballyfermot Sports and Fitness Centre, St Catherine's Community Sports Centre, Ballybough Community, Youth & Fitness Centre, Cabra Parkside Community Sports Centre, Poppintree Community Sports Centre, Irishtown Sports & Fitness Centre and Bluebell Community & Resource Centre.

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This follows on from a very successful pilot EPC project, which involved the upgrading of three of the Council's Sports and Fitness Centres in 2016. Since the works were carried out, energy savings of 42% have been achieved, offsetting over 700 tonnes of CO2.

Daniel Ring, Managing Director, Noel Lawler Green Energy Solutions said: "We applaud Dublin City Council and Codema in their use of this innovative Energy Performance Contract model. Being first to the market with this model required vision and commitment to deliver an improved energy upgrade and maintenance model which had to fit within public procurement guidelines. We would encourage public and private sectors alike to embrace this model as it has a proven track record that maximises environmental impact while simultaneously generating commercial savings."

Codema and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) are providing financial and technical support on the scheme.

This EPC contract will run for eight years and brings the number of Council facilities managing their energy under an Energy Performance Contract to 10. It will save the Council up to €129,000 on its energy costs per annum and reduce carbon emissions by 321 tonnes.

Works on this project are due to be completed by the end of 2019.

(CM/MH)