St Oliver Plunkett National School in Clonmel worked with TEA on a major school energy upgrade that improved comfort, modernised building performance and brought the facility closer to current educational building standards..
The 24-classroom school wanted to address poor building fabric and inefficient systems, but needed a clear technical plan, grant support and tightly coordinated delivery during the short summer window when works could happen with least disruption.
TEA carried out an energy audit in early 2016, identified the main opportunities for energy savings, designed the upgrade package, secured SEAI Better Energy Communities support and managed the works process on site so the school did not have to coordinate contractors directly.
The school reported a major improvement in comfort and day-to-day usability after the works. Heating demand dropped enough that, in early October, the building only needed heating for about half an hour in the mornings. Staff also adjusted the heating setpoint down to about 18.5 to 19 degrees because the upgraded building retained warmth far better than before.
“The school looks like a new-build yet it was built in 1982. I think we have future proofed our building. We are certainly in the 21st century now.”
Planning a similar project? TEA can help assess the opportunity, shape the right solution, and support delivery from concept to completion.