The National Insulation Association of Ireland (NIAI) will host a seminar during the SEAI Energy Show (RDS, 30-31 March 2022) on the importance of deep retrofit and how a fabric first approach incorporation insulation is essential to realise Ireland's energy and carbon reduction targets. Other key factors that are an essential part of the overall package, such as airtightness and new technologies, will also be discussed.

This seminar is an integral part of the programme and complements the best practice insulation demonstration that will take place on the dedicated Demonstration Arena on the Show Floor.

Ireland's energy system is transforming. At the heart of this, innovative solutions are being developed. These solutions will deliver cleaner energy for our homes, businesses and communities.

Research has a critical role to play in overcoming emerging energy markets. And this session will focus on researchers in industry and academia. Their projects will foster knowledge and innovation in the Irish Marketplace.

Speakers will cover their competitive energy-related products, processes, and systems. They will discuss real-world examples of research informing solutions. And show how businesses can keep their competitiveness on their journey to decarbonisation.

Panel members include:

• researchers from academia and industry,
• representatives from Irish Businesses,
• and SEAI.

They will share their knowledge, tools and experiences to further drive change in the Irish energy marketplace.

The Government's plan to address Climate change includes ambitious targets. This session will focus particularly on the targets relating to the retrofit non-domestic buildings. It will discuss some of the challenges and opportunities to meet these goals.

Discussions will be around a holistic approach to retrofitting of buildings, bringing the reduction in energy requirements to the fore.

Speakers will cover some of the main pressing questions faced by those designing and managing non-domestic buildings in today's current climate. All speakers have extensive experience in their particular topic and have worked for many years within the construction industry.

The sub-topics included within this session are outlined below:

• Challenges to Commercial Retrofit Ventilation Energy efficiency & Covid
• Façade Upgrades and Carbon Reduction in Commercial Retrofit              
• Benefits of Building Digitalisation & Optimisation

This session will be both practical and relevant for anyone designing, constructing and supplying these projects.

The public sector is 34% more energy efficient than in 2009. It exceeded its 33% energy efficiency target set out for 2020. The public sector focus now shifts to the next decade and the challenging targets set out for 2030.

The Climate Action Plan 2021 (CAP 21) outlines an energy related Green House Gas (GHG) target of 51% CO2 reduction by 2030. Achieving the GHG target is one of, if not the primary, target that public bodies and sectors must achieve. It also requires large public bodies to develop Climate Action roadmaps. This is to achieve their 2030 targets. It includes 51% of renewable space heating, and to develop wider Climate Mandates.

The first part of the session will cover progress to date on the energy efficiency target. It will look at actions taken and a detailed overview of the 2030 GHG reduction target methodology. It will cover an overview of potential pathways to 2030.

Public bodies will then present on their pathway to 2030 analysis. They will cover actions being undertaken now and planned. And finally, how SEAI's supports are being utilised to mobilise for 2030.

Are you using fossil fuel to generate heat in your business?

The Support Scheme for Renewable Heat (SSRH) it makes real business sense. It gives businesses the opportunity to convert to a renewable heat source. You save money and reduce your carbon footprint dramatically.

The Support Scheme for Renewable Heat is a government funded initiative. It is designed to increase the energy generated from renewable sources in the heat sector.

The scheme is open to:

• commercial,
• industrial,
• agricultural,
• district heating,
• public sector

and other non-domestic heat users not covered by the emissions trading system.

This scheme will contribute to meeting Ireland's renewable energy targets. It will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The government funded scheme offers two alternative support options;

a grant for heat pump systems, or
ongoing operational aid for biomass or biogas heating systems

This workshop will explain the SSRH, how it could work for you and how to apply to SEAI for support. It will also allow time for questions and discussion on any aspect of the scheme. The workshop is relevant to any non-domestic fossil fuel user and any business in the renewable heat supply chain.

Innovation, new product development and cutting-edge technology is the lifeblood of any industry, but particularly so in the energy sector where the urgency to ensure a more sustainable business and social community is now imperative.

Thankfully, considerable investment in R&D has seen a wave of pioneering products and systems come to market with The Energy Show now the venue of choice for manufacturers to introduce their latest innovations.

The SEAI Energy Show Product of the Show Awards are designed to reward and champion these developments, and particularly those incorporating smart energy solutions. Entries to the five categories are subjected to rigorous assessment by a panel of highly-qualified and experienced professionals drawn from building engineering, architecture, facilities management and contracting.

SEAI EXEED (Excellence in Energy Efficient Design) is a certification program. It helps businesses achieve the best energy performance. It applies an approach to project design and implementation for new or upgraded buildings and processes.

The SEAI EXEED program provides grant support. It also provides a structured approach to energy efficient design management. This maximises the lifecycle of energy and carbon performance.

The grant provides support of up to €1,000,000 per project. This goes to help businesses embed energy efficient design in their investment projects. It is open to private businesses and public sector organisations who are planning an investment project.

It is relevant to:

• Brand new buildings and facilities
• Upgrades or re-purposing of existing buildings and facilities
• Manufacturing processes

This session will give an overview of the SEAI EXEED programme. It will provide case study examples from organisations. These organisation have all implemented these Energy Efficient Design principles within project investments.

Electric Vehicle (EV) registrations in Ireland in 2021 grew by over 130%. This is creating unprecedented demand for vehicles and infrastructure. EVs continue to fill out all segments of the car market. They are rapidly moving to fill the commercial fleet segments.

Energy prices have bounced back following the low price period experienced during COVID. This is sending inflation soaring to 5.5% in 2021 and putting pressure on people's pockets. But, EVs can reduce annual energy costs by 70%.

There is a looming ban on petrol and diesel car sales coming in 2030. The annual escalation of carbon taxes set to reach €100 per tonne by then. So, the race is on to switch to electric vehicles.

This quick-fire session will tell you all you need to know about EV progress in Ireland. It will cover all supports available to you. We wil address the latest technologies and issues concerning consumers. You will also hear first-hand what it is like to replace a large commercial fleet of vehicles with EVs from An Post.

Winners of the prestigious Product of the Show Awards will be showcased at this exciting quickfire session with five minute elevator pitches on their winning products.

This session will inform the commercial sector on what makes a successful One Stop Shop. It will outline key aspects to focus on when completing your One Stop Shop registration highlighting common challenges when submitting an application. We will go through aspects of the process from the home energy assessment to works process, and we will demonstrate how grants will be applied to all types of homes under various scenarios.

Given the importance of marketing and demand generation over the coming years, we will cover important guidelines and tips to help you get the most out of your one stop shop brand.