What is an Energy Efficient Design (EED)?

Energy Efficient Design (EED) is a structured approach to managing energy performance throughout the development and delivery of retrofit, renovation and new construction projects. I.S. 399:2021 provides a recognised framework for integrating energy performance into project decision-making, from early design through procurement, construction, commissioning and handover. The objective is to reduce lifecycle energy consumption, energy costs and carbon emissions while delivering a project that meets its operational and financial requirements.

Requirements for an Energy Efficient Design

I.S. 399:2021 sets out requirements for establishing and implementing an EED process for new, modified and retrofitted buildings, facilities, equipment, systems and processes. The process is designed to be proportionate to the size, nature and complexity of the project and continues through to final commissioning, handover and energy performance verification.

EED is not a replacement for mandatory regulatory requirements such as Part L of the Building Regulations. Instead, it provides a structured process for identifying and implementing opportunities to improve energy performance, while considering capital cost, operational cost, risk, carbon emissions, practicality and wider project benefits.

How can TEA help?

We provide independent EED consultancy services and can act as the EED Facilitator and Expert for your project. Our role is to lead the EED analysis and recommendations while working alongside the project owner and wider design team. We recommend engaging us as early as possible, when energy performance has the greatest potential to influence project outcomes.

Our EED service can include developing the EED implementation plan, establishing the energy balance, identifying significant energy uses, leading challenge and analyse sessions, assessing energy performance opportunities and supporting their integration into the design. We can also support procurement, commissioning, handover and energy performance verification.

Benefits of an Energy Efficient Design

By adopting an EED approach early in the project, you can make it significantly easier to:

Reduce

lifecycle energy consumption and operating costs

Identify

and prioritise opportunities to improve energy performance

Challenge

design assumptions and avoid unnecessary over-design

Integrate

energy performance requirements into procurement and commissioning

Improve

the long-term operational performance of the asset

Services

From fabric improvements to advanced building controls, our services help optimise energy performance across your building portfolio.

Fabric Upgrades

The building fabric – including the roof, walls, floors, windows, doors and airtightness – plays a fundamental role in determining how much energy a building needs to operate.At Tipperary Energy Agency, we assess the existing fabric and identify opportunities to reduce heat loss, improve thermal comfort and create a more efficient building.

Learn more about Fabric Upgrades here.

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HVAC & Chillers

Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems, including commercial chillers, play a critical role in maintaining comfortable, safe and efficient environments in offices, retail spaces, manufacturing facilities, data centres and other commercial buildings. Our experienced engineering team can assess your existing HVAC and chiller systems to identify opportunities for improved efficiency, reduced running costs and enhanced performance.

Learn more about HVAC & Chillers here.

Lighting and Controls

Introducing efficient lighting and smart control systems into your building can deliver significant energy savings and reduce operational costs. Upgrading lighting not only improves energy efficiency but also reduces raw material consumption, lowers your carbon footprint, and enhances the overall quality of your indoor environment. Our team will assess your building to identify the most effective lighting upgrades to improve energy efficiency and reduce operating costs.

Learn more about Fabric Upgrades here.

Building Management System & Energy Management System

A Building Management System enhances comfort, efficiency and control by integrating key building services, such as heating, cooling and ventilation into a single management platform. An Energy Management System focuses on monitoring and analysing a building’s energy use. Our team provides a comprehensive assessment of your building to determine the most effective combination of Building Management Systems and/or Energy Management Systems based on your operational needs, building size and energy efficiency goals.

Learn more about BMS & EMS here.

Retro-commissioning

Retro-commissioning (RCx) is a structured process used to improve the performance of existing buildings by ensuring systems are operating, controlled and maintained as intended. TEA can provide a structured Building Energy Optimisation and Retro-Commissioning assessment to understand how your building is currently operating and identify opportunities for improvement.

Learn more about Retro-commissioning here.

ESB Networks Integration

Many energy projects require engagement with ESB Networks to secure grid connections, increase site capacity, export electricity, or connect renewable technologies. TEA provides independent technical support to help clients navigate application requirements, connection processes, and grid-related challenges.

Learn more about ESB Networks Integration here.

Planning & Environmental

Planning is often an essential step in the project timeline for delivering large infrastructure projects. Ground-mounted solar PV arrays, solar carports, battery storage, commercial scale biomass plants, etc. often require planning permission, or at least formal confirmation with the relevant local authority. Environmental requirements often apply in parallel with planning permission.

Tipperary Energy Agency provide independent technical support to establish the planning requirements, the evidence required to support them, and how those requirements fit into the wider project programme. Learn more here.

Why choose Tipperary Energy Agency?

25+ Years Delivering Ireland's Energy Transition  

Tipperary Energy Agency is a not-for-profit social enterprise founded in 1998. We have been at the forefront of energy efficiency and sustainable energy in Ireland ever since, working with local authorities, communities, businesses and public-sector organisations across the country.

Our practical experience in energy efficiency, building performance, renewable energy and decarbonisation means we understand how to turn energy performance opportunities into achievable project outcomes.

25+ Years of Experience

Over two decades supporting Ireland's transition to sustainable energy use.

25+ Years of Experience

Over two decades supporting Ireland's transition to sustainable energy use.

40+ European Projects

Successfully completed more than 40 national and EU research and demonstration projects

40+ European Projects

Successfully completed more than 40 national and EU research and demonstration projects

€1.4M Savings Delivered

Helped Tipperary County Council alone achieve over €1.4M in energy cost savings.

€1.4M Savings Delivered

Helped Tipperary County Council alone achieve over €1.4M in energy cost savings.

SEAI Registered Auditors

Our auditors are SEAI-registered Certified Energy Managers (CEMs), meeting all statutory requirements.

SEAI Registered Auditors

Our auditors are SEAI-registered Certified Energy Managers (CEMs), meeting all statutory requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I consider implementing Energy Efficient Design for my project?

Energy Efficient Design (EED) provides a structured process for improving energy performance rather than simply meeting minimum regulatory requirements. It can help reduce lifecycle energy costs, identify opportunities before they become expensive to implement and improve the long-term performance of an asset.

By considering energy performance early, project owners can make better-informed decisions about capital investment, operational costs, carbon reduction and future performance.

What does an Energy Efficient Design process involve?

It typically includes:

  • Establishing EED objectives and the project implementation plan
  • Developing an energy balance and identifying significant energy users
  • Challenging and analysing energy performance opportunities
  • Integrating selected improvements into the design
  • Designing for efficient operation, maintenance and monitoring
  • Planning procurement, commissioning and handover
  • Verifying energy performance and documenting project outcomes

Who benefits from an EED?

Everyone involved:

  • Project owners benefit from improved decision-making, reduced energy costs and lower project risk
  • Design teams benefit from independent energy expertise and structured design challenge
  • Operators benefit from better-performing systems and improved operational information
  • Occupants and end users can benefit from improved comfort, reliability and building performance
  • The environment benefits from reduced energy consumption and carbon emissions

Are there any lower-interest loans available to me?

There may be green finance and energy-efficiency funding options available through banks and other finance providers for organisations investing in energy efficiency and building improvements.

TEA can help develop the technical and financial case for your project and identify potential funding and financing options.

Speak to an expert

Looking for the right solution for your facility? Contact us today to discuss your needs and see how we can support your goals.