Kildare County Council Unveils Innovative Energy-Efficient DemoHouse in Maynooth
6th March 2025: Kildare County Council yesterday officially opened the innovative energy-efficient DemoHouse in Maynooth, as part of its Decarbonising Zone initiative. This project aims to showcase sustainable living practices.
The DemoHouse, built in the early 1990s, has undergone a comprehensive energy upgrade and retrofit. The improvements include new insulation on internal walls, enhanced airtightness, and the replacement of double-glazed windows with triple glazing. These measures have significantly improved the house's energy efficiency, with scientists from Maynooth University set to quantify the energy savings over the coming year.
In addition to energy efficiency, the house features a decentralised heat recovery ventilation system to improve air quality, an air-to-water heat pump, low-temperature radiators, an EV charger, and PV panels on the roof. These elements contribute to a reduced carbon energy system and provide a healthier living environment for residents. Scientists from Maynooth University are set to monitor the air quality within the DemoHouse.
The house is designed with universal accessibility in mind, featuring level access doorways, accessible bathroom, height adjustable countertop, contrasting wall colours for visual impairment, and a stair lift for mobility issues. The refurbishment also prioritized the circular economy, reusing existing products and materials wherever possible.
The garden of the DemoHouse includes pollinator-friendly planting, a pond to attract wildlife, and sustainable drainage systems to manage surface water on-site. These measures aim to create a sustainable and biodiverse environment that benefits both residents and the local ecosystem.
Speaking at the official opening, the Cathaoirleach of the County of Kildare, Cllr Kevin Duffy said; "This is just one of the achievements of Kildare County Council in our ongoing efforts to promote sustainability and environmental stewardship. Today, we celebrate the completion of an innovative energy-efficient demo house in Maynooth, a project that demonstrates our commitment to creating a greener and more sustainable future."
Speaking on the importance of the DemoHouse project, Sonya Kavanagh, Chief Executive, Kildare County Council, said, "The completion of the energy-efficient DemoHouse in Maynooth is a significant milestone in our Decarbonising Zone initiative. This project not only showcases sustainable living practices but also demonstrates our commitment to achieving national targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 51% by 2030 and achieving net zero by 2050."
Professor Pallonetto, Maynooth University, commented; "We are thrilled with this wonderful initiative from Kildare County Council. "Hosting this new AI technology pilot in the DemoHouse will help us to demonstrate its potential to significantly reduce energy consumption, lower costs, and empower individuals and communities to actively participate in the green transition."
Dr. Fahy, Maynooth University, added, "The positive feedback from our community outreach activities has been invaluable in shaping the solution and ensuring it meets the needs of users. It is wonderful to have a space like this DemoHouse to host educational workshops with the community. We are confident that will make a meaningful contribution to Ireland's energy goals and serve as a model for other countries."
Dr. McGrath, Maynooth University, highlighted; "I am delighted to be engaging with Kildare County Council on their DemoHouse project. This initiative offers a real opportunity to monitor indoor air quality and ventilation in an energy-retrofitted building. By implementing appropriate ventilation strategies, choosing low-VOC sources, and removing combustion sources, we aim to showcase the multifaceted benefits of energy retrofits, resulting in healthier and more comfortable homes.”
Kildare County Council invites the public to visit the demo house and learn more about the benefits of energy-efficient living. This project is a testament to the council's commitment to achieving national targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 51% by 2030 and achieving net zero by 2050.
The DemoHouse will be available to the public to view from Thursday 13th March 10.00am – 1.00pm / and each Thursday morning 10.00am – 1.00pm thereafter. The viewing will be by appointment only and booking available on DemoHouse booking portal hosted on KCC website - https://www.supersaas.co.uk/schedule/KCC_Booking_System/DemoHouse
