Energy efficient construction techniques and low carbon technologies will be examined by a six-strong group of architects, building designers and environmental companies on an Invest Northern Ireland organised visit to the International Passive House conference and exhibition in Nuremberg from today.

The group is drawn from across Northern Ireland and will be taking part in the first-ever visit to this important construction industry event. Upwards of 1,000 experts on environmental and conservation technologies will take part in the event, which is organised by Nuremberg's pioneering Passive House Institute.

The agenda covers issues such as energy efficient construction, innovative building products, eco-materials and techniques to bring older buildings up to modern energy efficient standards.

The International Passive House conference, now in its 12th year, was established to facilitate the exchange of ideas, knowledge, and progress in the field of energy efficient construction and sustainability.

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The latest developments in energy efficient products and construction will be introduced and presented during lectures and in a building technology fair, which will feature groundbreaking developments in sustainable materials and energy efficient systems.

Alan Hingston, Invest NI Trade Director said: "We have organised this visit as part of our commitment to help companies here to keep abreast of the latest trends in building sustainability, and in particular the Passive House Energy Standard. This is the most important standard for efficient design and construction in Europe and is likely to have a growing impact on Northern Ireland.

"The European Parliament’s call, in January 2008, for an introduction of this efficiency level for all new buildings throughout Europe - as early as 2011 – makes it essential for architects, designers, builders and component suppliers here to be aware of its requirements.

"More than 10,000 Passive House units have been successfully built and completed in Europe. Positive feedback from owners and residents has confirmed what had been projected: not only that energy costs can be reduced drastically, but also that the comfort of living increases significantly by using an energy efficient construction," he added.

The companies visiting the event are Consarc Design, Belfast, NuTech Renewables, Warrenpoint, Raymond Maguire, Enniskillen, Woodlock Joinery, Omagh, GP Williams, Belfast and Keys and Monaghan Architects, Irvinestown.

(VB/JM)