Energy Performance Contracting in Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown

About the project

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council (DLRCC) identified Meadowbrook Leisure Centre, Loughlinstown Leisure Centre and Monkstown Leisure Centre as significant energy users, and decided to implement energy upgrades to these buildings through an Energy Performance Contract (EPC).

An EPC is a contractual agreement by an Energy Services Company (ESCo) to guarantee energy savings over an agreed period of time. It differs from the traditional method of carrying out energy efficiency measures, as the ESCo must approach the building holistically rather than small ad-hoc projects, and must ensure that energy savings are achieved to receive their payments, rather than being able to walk away from an unsatisfactory job.

This contract was awarded to Lawler Sustainability by DLRCC following a rigorous competitive dialogue procurement process. The contract includes a works period where the measures are implemented, and following this, an eight-year services period where the ESCo will perform Measurement and Verification (M&V) of the energy savings and provide maintenance and repair services.

The energy upgrades of the three leisure centres were completed in February 2022 and included:

• Optimisation of the Building Management Systems (BMS)
• Upgrade of pool filtration plants
• Optimisation of Air Handling Units and EC fan upgrades
• Heating controls upgrades to reduce gas consumption
• Pool Pump Upgrades
• Upgrade of pitch lighting to LED